Vincristine therapy of lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The results of vincristine therapy in 103 patients with lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia were evaluated. Seventy-six per cent of the patients with reticulum cell sarcoma and 62% of those with Hodgkin's disease responded, while the drug was of little benefit in patients with lymphosarcoma and of no value in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Complete or marked responses were seen in 52% of patients with reticulum cell sarcoma and 20% of patients with Hodgkin's disease. Unmaintained remission was short, lasting a median of 4 weeks. Attempts to prolong the remissions with maintenance vincristine therapy were unsuccessful. No serious neurotoxicity was seen in any of the patients receiving a total dose of less than 7 mg. An unequivocal therapeutic response was evident in all patients before the third dose. If no antitumor effect is observed after two doses, further administration is not indicated.