Some implications of current therapy leukaemia

Improved survival in acute leukaemia follows aggressive combination chemotherapy based on a proper understanding of tumour cell kinetics and principles of modern pharmacology. Such cytoreduction regimens reduce tumour mass to a level at which eradication by immune mechanisms becomes feasible, a fact presently being exploited by immunotherapy programmes. Further improvement is possible by the judicious use of sophisticated support facilities such as laminar flow isolation areas and blood fraction separators, but the cost and expertise of operating such facilities limits availability to a few specialised centres. Logically, patients with acute leukaemia should have the benefit of management in these units.S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1573 (1974