Authors: Alejandra MartínezTrillos Anna Gaya Margherita Maffioli Eduardo ArellanoRodrigo Xavier Calvo Marina DíazBeyá Francisco Cervantes
Publish Date: 2010/06/22
Volume: 89, Issue: 12, Pages: 1233-1237
Abstract
Hydroxyurea HU is frequently given as treatment for myelofibrosis MF but data on its efficacy and tolerability are scarce The results of HU therapy were evaluated in 40 patients with hyperproliferative manifestations of primary n = 32 postpolycythemia vera n = 6 or postessential thrombocythemia n = 2 myelofibrosis Median interval between diagnosis and HU start was 62 months range 0–1417 Reasons for treatment were constitutional symptoms 55 symptomatic splenomegaly 45 thrombocytosis 40 leukocytosis 28 pruritus 10 and bone pain 8 The starting dose was 500 mg/day subsequently adjusted to the individual efficacy and tolerability Response was bone pain 100 constitutional symptoms 82 pruritus 50 splenomegaly 40 and anemia 125 According to the International Working Group for Myelofibrosis Research and Treatment criteria clinical improvement was achieved in 16 patients 40 Median duration of response was 132 months range 3–1262 Worsening of the anemia or appearance of pancytopenia were observed in 18 patients requiring administration of erythropoietinstimulating agents n = 17 and/or danazol n = 9 Oral or leg ulcers appeared in five patients and one had gastrointestinal symptoms HU is an effective and generally welltolerated therapy for the hyperproliferative manifestations of MF The accentuation of the anemia often induced by HU is usually manageable with concomitant treatment
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