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AbstractThe cytogenetic responses during the first chronic phase of 11 patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) + interferon (IFN) were compared with those of 9 other CML patients treated with IFN alone. Metaphase and interphase cytogenetics and a semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the cytogenetic responses. Two of the 11 patients in the ATRA + IFN group were withdrawn, one of them because of IFN intolerance, and the other because of non-compliance. Of the 9 remaining ATRA + IFN-treated patients 6 exhibited major cytogenetic responses, 3 of which were complete. Of the 9 patients treated with IFN alone, only 2 showed major cytogenetic responses. No severe adverse effects were observed. The preliminary results suggest that the ATRA + IFN combination may be superior in achieving cytogenetic remission in the first chronic phase of CML.Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cytogenetic responses during the first chronic phase of 11 patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) + interferon (IFN) were compared with those of 9 other CML patients treated with IFN alone. Metaphase and interphase cytogenetics and a semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the cytogenetic responses. Two of the 11 patients in the ATRA + IFN group were withdrawn, one of them because of IFN intolerance, and the other because of non-compliance. Of the 9 remaining ATRA + IFN-treated patients 6 exhibited major cytogenetic responses, 3 of which were complete. Of the 9 patients treated with IFN alone, only 2 showed major cytogenetic responses. No severe adverse effects were observed. The preliminary results suggest that the ATRA + IFN combination may be superior in achieving cytogenetic remission in the first chronic phase of CML., (Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel)