A new drug called 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine, or 24 , has produced complete remissions in almost all hairy cell leukemia patients treated. It may well be the drug of choice in treating hairy cell leukemia. It has also been used successfully against chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, interferon is less effective, and both of those treatments produce serious side effects. Doctors gave the drug four years ago to 11 hairy cell leukemia patients. In 24 the disease disappeared and has not reappeared. In all, 2-CdA patients have been treated with the drug with almost complete success. However, doctors at New England Journal of Medicine caution that longer follow up will be necessary before they can be sure of an actual cure.
A new drug called 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine, or 24 , has produced complete remissions in almost all hairy cell leukemia patients treated. It may well be the drug of choice in treating hairy cell leukemia. It has also been used successfully against chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Doctors gave the drug four years ago to 11 hairy cell leukemia patients. In 24 the disease disappeared and has not reappeared. In all, 2-CdA patients have been treated with the drug with almost complete success. However, doctors at New England Journal of Medicine caution that longer follow up will be necessary before they can be sure of an actual cure.