pentoxifylline + chemotherapy

This combination therapy consists of the methylxanthine derivative pentoxifylline administered as an adjunct to a multi-agent induction chemotherapy regimen for the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Pentoxifylline functions as a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor and a modulator of the IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway; by inhibiting IκB phosphorylation, it prevents the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and subsequently reduces the expression of anti-apoptotic genes. This mechanism is intended to sensitize leukemic blasts to the cytotoxic effects of the standard chemotherapy backbone, which in this specific protocol includes prednisone, vincristine, daunorubicin, L-asparaginase, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, and hydrocortisone. The regimen was evaluated in a Phase 2/3 clinical trial (NCT02451774) led by Dr. Ramón Óscar González-Ramella to determine if the addition of pentoxifylline improves early remission rates and minimal residual disease (MRD) clearance in newly diagnosed pediatric patients.

Other names

Pentoxifylline Plus ChemotherapyPentoxifylline in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia