ABSTRACT
Malignant lymphomas compose a heterogeneous group of disorders that differ in biology and pathogenesis as well as in natural history, but also in their sensitivity to antineoplastic agents and irradiation. Fludarabine monophosphate emerged from the search for more effective derivatives of cytosine arabinoside; which represents one of the most active single agents in the treatment of acute leukemias and high-grade lymphomas. The combination of nucleoside analogs with alkylating agents may further improve the treatment of lymphoid malignancies like chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Mycosis fungoides is a cutaneous lymphoma with a long natural history that originates from the T-helper cell lineage. These results caution the use of purine analogs outside clinical trials, encourage the participation in prospective studies that are currently underway, and will help to define the appropriate indication and timing of these promising new agents.
