Cyclic leukocyte oscillations in chronic myelogenous leukemia during hydroxyurea therapy.

By B. J. KENNEDY T HE SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT of cancer and leukemia by agents which have hematosuppressive effects depends upon a selective toxicity, whereby the tumor cell is inhibited rather than the normal cell. Further information is needed on the life of the leukocyte, particularly the generative cycle and the normal or abnormal physiologic rhythms. The basic mechanism of the movement of leukocytes and the turnover of these cells are not completely defined. Leukocyte dynamics have been difficult to study because of the many factors that affect the level of these cells in the peripheral blood. Moreover, the peripheral blood cell counts do not always indicate the rate of hernatopoiesis nor the size of the bone marrow reserve of the various cellular factors. By newer technics we are acquiring more insight into the dynamics of leukocyte movement in leukemia among various compartments.