Purpose: Fludarabine has been reported to be the most effective single-agent in previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Based on the in vitro synergism of fludarabine with anthracyclines and on results showing a higher efficacy of CHOP against COP we attempted to improve treatment results with a combination of fludarabine and an anthracycline.
Patients and methods: The aim of the multicenter study was to evaluate the rate and duration of remissions and investigate the toxic and immunosuppressive effects of fludarabine and epirubicin in the treatment of CLL in Binet stages B and C as first-line therapy or in first relapse. Thirty-eight patients were treated with fludarabine 25 mg/m2 on days 1-5 and epirubicin 25 mg/m2 on days 4 and 5.
Results: The overall response rate (OR) was 82% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 66%-92%) with a CR rate of 32% (95% CI: 18%-49%). For the 25 previously untreated patients the OR was 92% (95% CI: 74%-99%) including 40% CRs (95% CI: 21%-61%). Granulocytopenia grade 3 occurred in 23% of all evaluable cycles, and grade 4 in 17%. The median remission duration was 19 months (range 6-37 months).
Conclusion: The results show that the combination of fludarabine and epirubicin is tolerable and highly effective in the treatment of CLL. With the addition of epirubicin to fludarabine, it appears possible to achieve a higher response rate and a more rapid response, especially of nodal manifestations. This regimen can be administered in an outpatient facility except for the first cycle because of the risk of a tumour lysis. The possible benefit of the combination presented here in the treatment of CLL in comparison to single-agent fludarabine treatment is presently under study in a prospective randomized multicenter study.