Therapeutic efficacy of danazol in myelodysplastic syndromes

Basilio Marini, B Marini, R Bassan, Renato Bassan, T Barbui, Tiziano Barbui
European journal of cancer & clinical oncology · 1988 · vol. 24(9) , pp. 1481–1489 · doi:10.1016/0277-5379(88)90339-2 · PMID:3181270 · W2142960171
Non-randomised trial OA: closed CC0 ⤵ 8 in-corpus citations
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This paper investigates the therapeutic efficacy of danazol in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, detailing its effects and outcomes.

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Abstract

Sixteen unselected untreated patients with primary myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and various combinations of blood cytopenia were treated with danazol, an attenuated androgen reported to be of some value in these conditions. After a 12 week trial (danazol 600 mg/day/p.o.), anaemia improved in 4/14 patients, with transfusional requirements being reduced by 50% or more in four other cases (response 57%). An enhanced reticulocyte production was documented in 6/13 cases (46%), and thrombocytopenia resolved in 5/8 (62%). Results of the granulocyte count were less satisfactory, with only one partial response obtained among five cases. A normalization of the monocyte count was seen in 3/5 patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia, with one of them achieving a complete haematological and clinical remission lasting 6 months. Circulating blast cells decreased significantly (50% or more) in 4/6 cases. Although clinical symptoms from anaemia and bleeding disappeared in responsive cases, four patients developed acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia. Danazol was well tolerated and produced no acute or chronic toxicity. The drug appears useful in the management of anaemic and thrombocytopenic MDS patients.

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MeSH descriptors

Danazol Myelodysplastic Syndromes Pregnadienes Aged Aged, 80 and over Blood Transfusion Danazol Erythrocyte Count Erythrocyte Count Female Hemoglobins Hemoglobins Humans Male Middle Aged Myelodysplastic Syndromes Myelodysplastic Syndromes Platelet Count Platelet Count Pregnadienes

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