Induction treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in an elderly patient with intramarrow injection/administration of cytarabine: first report of a case

Intramarrow injection needle: a new technique to treat patients with haematological and non-haematological malignancies by directly injecting therapeutic agents into the bone marrow cavity

AIMS

The purpose of this report is to describe a new instrument designed for the injection of therapeutic agents directly into the bone marrow cavity as well as to aspirate bone marrow specimens for the diagnostic purposes.

METHODS

The instrument consists of three parts: the needle, stilette and an adjustable guard. The overall length of the needle is 76 mm and has uniform external diameter except for the distal penetrating segment, which is sharp but short and safe to use on the sternum. The proximal end of the needle is fitted with a plastic T-bar handle, which is ergonomically designed for firm grip and easy manoeuvrability.

RESULTS

The instrument has been designed to obtain bone marrow aspirate specimens as well as to inject therapeutic agents into the posterior ilium.

CONCLUSIONS

The rationale for the intramedullary injection of therapeutic agents for the treatment of patients with leukaemia, lymphoma and other haematological and non-haematological malignant disorders is described. In an emergency when intravenous therapy becomes difficult due to collapsed veins, this instrument may be used for direct intramarrow infusion of blood and blood products.

Induction treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in an elderly patient with intramarrow injection/administration of cytarabine. Second case report

We show for the second time that intramarrow injection/administration of chemotherapeutic agents such as cytarabine (Ara-C) can be used safely and effectively and is associated with no toxicity, promising antileukemic activity and possible improved survival.

Induction treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in an elderly patient with intramarrow injection/administration of cytarabine: first report of a case

We have used intramarrow injection/administration of cytarabine (Ara-C) instead of conventional intravenous approach to induce remission in an elderly patient with acute myelogenous leukemia. We show for the first time that the intramarrow injection of chemotherapeutic agents such as Ara-C can be used safely and effectively.