Semisynthetic deoxyharringtonine for treating leukemia in mice and humans.

The effects of two varieties of semisynthetic deoxyharringtonine on the tumor mass and survival time of mice with murine leukemia were evaluated. Compared to untreated control mice, the survival time of those with murine leukemia increased by 146% (L7212) and 68% (L615) after treatment. The LD50 for deoxyharringtonine variants DH4.8 and DH was determined to be 322 +/- 9 mg/kg and 71 +/- 1 mg/kg, respectively. Seventeen patients were then treated with either DH or DH4.8; 11% achieved complete remission, 23% achieved partial remission, and an additional 35% had markedly lower leukocyte levels after treatment. Side effects were minimal. It was concluded that deoxyharringtonine is an effective anti-leukemic agent.