Vinblastine for Langerhan’ Histiocytosis – pro
Histiocytosis is a rare disease that involves hystiocytes. The disease can range from limited involvement that spontaneously regresses to progressive multiorgan involvement that can be chronic and debilitating. In some cases, the disease can be life-threatening.It is approximated that histiocytosis affects 1 in 200,000 children born each year in the United States. The disease us rare and not much is known securely about how to treat it. Because of its rarity, prospective studies are not possible.
Several case reports and series suggest that Vinblastine is an active drug for this diseaae. A recent review states: “Standard therapy for Langerhans cell histiocytosis includes vinblastine and prednisone with or without methotrexate and mercaptopurine, depending on the extent of disease.”
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Kenneth L McClain Drug therapy for the treatment of Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy November 2005, Vol. 6, No. 14, Pages 2435-2441