Variable Bioavailability of Oral Mercaptopurine

Authors:
  • SZSolomon Zimm
    Solomon Zimm
  • JCJerry M. Collins
    Jerry M. Collins
  • RRRiccardo Riccardi
    Riccardo Riccardi
  • DODondra O'NEill
    Dondra O'NEill
  • PNPrem K. Narang
    Prem K. Narang
  • BCBruce Chabner
    Bruce Chabner
  • DPDavid G. Poplack
    David G. Poplack
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Abstract
Induction therapy is now successful in producing a complete remission in more than 90 per cent of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.1 , 2 However, maintenance of remission remains a major problem, since a third of patients with a standard risk and approximately 80 per cent of patients with a high risk relapse despite periodic intensification of chemotherapy and continual maintenance chemotherapy.3 The daily administration of oral mercaptopurine forms the backbone of maintenance chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia; most treatment regimens also include weekly or biweekly administration of oral methotrexate. The rationale for giving mercaptopurine orally has been based on clinical studies . . .

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