NJBMS - Volume 5, Issue 1, July - September 2014
Pages: 25-29
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ADVERSE EFFECT PROFILE OF CHEMOTHERAPY WITH CYTARABINE & DAUNORUBICIN IN ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA : A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Author: SUSAN MANI, SREEJITH NAIR, HARIHARAN
Category: Pharmacology
Abstract:Aim: - A prospective study to evaluate the adverse effects occurring during chemotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with cytarabine & daunorubicin. Materials & Methods: A total 35- subjects with de novo AML under-going chemotherapy with cytarabine and daunorubicin at Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum, Kerala, were selected and followed up during the entire course, and the adverse effects documented as per WHO Toxicity Guidelines. Preventability assessments were also done using modified Schumock and Thornton scale.Results: Three fourth of the patients attained complete remission after the first two cycles. Out of the 35 patients enrolled, 17 died during the course of chemotherapy as a result of infection and bleeding. Myelosuppression, gastrointestinal manifestations, fever and alopecia, were the common adverse effects, while hepatic and electrolyte disturbances were encountered to a lesser extent. Cardio toxicity secondary to daunorubicin and high dose cytarabine related cerebellar dysfunction and ocular manifestations were documented in 2% of the subjects. In general, myelosuppression, infection, fever and alopecia were of high grades (Grades 3 and 4). Nausea and vomiting were the only preventable adverse effects.
Conclusions: Chemotherapy of AML targets organ systems with rapid cell turnover, and patient management requires a well-trained and dedicated team of medical personnel for achieving optimal results.
Keywords: Acte myeloid leukemia, Cytarabine, Daunorubicin, Myelosupression
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