Leustatin (Cladribine)

Cladribine is one of the newest chemotherapy drugs which has been around and in use for a few years. Cladribine is a white powder, when prepared for use becomes a clear, colorless liquid, and is given by intravenous route only. It is most commonly used in treatment of the following cancers:

• Hairy cell leukemia

• Low grade lymphomas

• Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. Cladribine is normally administered daily for seven consecutive days as a continuous intravenous infusion and repeated every four weeks. A proper dosage schedule is still being studied.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Cladribine. Following are some of the most common and important ill effects:

• Low white blood counts

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Fever

• Skin rash

It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to his/her medical oncologist.