Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with bendamustine under french temporary use authorization (ATU) in 2008: Five cases [Traitement des leucémies lympho?des chroniques (LLC) par bendamustine dans le cadre de l'autorisation temporaire d'utilisation (ATU) 2008: à propos de cinq cas]

摘要

Bendamustine is a cytotoxic agent which combines the effects of antimetabolites and alkylating agents. This structure leads to less cross-resistance with other cytotoxics. In France, bendamustine is restricted to the treatment of indolent lymphoma, CLL and multiple myeloma. We present here our first results concerning five patients with refractory CLL in 2008. They seem to confirmthat bendamustine is effective for CLL in relapse. However, CLL transformed into non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or prolymphocytic leukemia appears to be less sensitive. In addition, because of its good tolerance, bendamustine may provide an excellent platform for combination with other agents effective in lymphoid malignancies, such as rituximab, lenalidomide or bortezomib.