Cyclophosphamide for the elderly

[nigeldodd]

My elderly mother was recently diagnosed with CLL. At that time (beginning April 2016) the associated acute condition was haemolysis which had already reduced her red blood count to the mid 40s. She was given transfusions and steroids. She responded well and was later discharged and the dose of steroids reduced while monitoring her bloods. Her lymphocyte count is now down around 5 having been over 100.

Unfortunately she was susceptible to infection and was readmitted twice with respiratory tract infections.

She was going to be infused with low dose Rituximab but this has been changed to Cyclophosphamide (50-100mg) orally with an anti-sickness drug while continuing to reduce the steroid dose. Although she is 95 she has had no serious health issues until now.

I would appreciate the views of this community on this line of treatment.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Hi

Usually chlorambucil is used in the patient with advanced age or comorbidities. It is the same family of chemotherapy and is an oral treatment... both have been used for over 50 years...

~chris