Cardiovascular Toxic Effects of VM 26 in the Treatment of Acute Lymphatic Leukemia. Presentation of Two Cases

Abstract

Two cases of acute lymphatic leukemia treated with VM 26 underwent a severe cardiovascular syndrome with hypertension and cardiac failure. The first patient, a 9-year-old boy, after the appearance of hypertension suffered from serious cerebral hemorrhages which were lethal. The second patient, a 12-year-old boy, also developed hypertension with retinal hemorrhages and cardiac failure. Hypertension was, however, controlled, the patient recovered, and at present he is in remission. Although cardiovascular toxic effects are not frequent after administration of VM 26, they should be known to the medical oncologist so that treatment of this side effect may be introduced at the first appearance of the symptoms.