Selective aspects of chemotherapy in acute luekemia and Burkitt's tumor

The selective toxicity of drugs useful in cancer chemotherapy is reviewed and the author suggests that little evidence from in vitro studies exists to demonstrate selective toxicity of these agents for malignant cells. In the treatment of patients with leukemia and Burkitt's tumor, however, biological selective toxicity is clearly evident. Dose scheduling to maximize tumor damage and minimize host damage appears to enhance this biological selective toxicity. The usefulness of supportive and replacement therapy is emphasized. The problems of unanticipated combination toxicity resulting from the concomitant use of antitumor drugs with other drugs are considered. Impressive biological selective toxicity can be achieved in clinical cancer chemotherapy.