Deferasirox improves hematologic and hepatic function with effective reduction of serum ferritin and liver iron concentration in transfusional iron overload patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or aplastic anemia.

Background: Transfusional iron overload and its consequences are challenges in chronically transfused patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) or aplastic anemia (AA).

Study Design And Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter, open-label study to investigate the efficacy of deferasirox (DFX) by serial measurement of serum ferritin (S-ferritin) level, liver iron concentration (LIC) level using relaxation rates magnetic resonance imaging, and other laboratory variables in patients with MDS or AA.

Results: A total of 96 patients showing S-ferritin level of at least 1000 ng/mL received daily DFX for up to 1 year.

High-dose versus low-dose cyclophosphamide in combination with G-CSF for peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization.

Background: To compare the mobilizing effects and toxicities of two different doses of cyclophosphamide (CY) plus lenograstim (glycosylated G-CSF), we performed a prospective randomized study by enrolling patients suffering with either high-risk Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) or breast cancer undergoing ablative chemotherapy.

Methods: The NHL patients received 4 cycles of CHOP and the breast cancer patients received 2-3 cycles of FAC (FEC) adjuvant chemotherapy. Then, the patients were randomly allocated to receive CY 4 g/m2 (arm A) or 1.

High dose therapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation as a first line treatment for multiple myeloma: a Korean Multicenter Study.

We conducted a phase II multicenter trial to estimate the response and survival of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma to high dose melphalan therapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Eligible patients who had undergone induction with vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone (VAD) should have adequate cardiac, pulmonary and renal function (creatinine <2 mg/dL). Melphalan at 200 mg/m2 was used as a conditioning regimen.

Gemcitabine and Infusional 5-Fluorouracil in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Clinical Benefit Response-Oriented Phase II Study.

Purpose: Gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are two compounds with reproducible activity against advanced pancreatic carcinomas. To evaluate the activity and feasibility of this combination chemotherapy, a multi-institutional phase II study was performed.

Materials And Methods: Twenty patients (male: female 15: 5, median age: 60.