ABSTRACT

Purpose:

Methotrexate is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents used to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hepatotoxicity due to methotrexate was reported in many studies. In this study, hepatotoxicity caused by intermediate dose (lg!m') methotrexate in 10 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma was investigated.

Method:

Ten patients between 3 and 13 years of age with Burkitt's Lymphoma. were investigated. Modified BFM-90 B-cell Lymphoma Protocol was used in the treatment.

Results:

No correlation was found between serum methotrexate levels and hepatic toxicity; and no other signs of hepatotoxicity were detected except temporary transaminase elevations and mild hepatomegaly. Transaminase levels returned to normal after about 2-11 days.

Conclusion:

Dose reductions in methotrexate do not seem warranted if serious liver damage has not been confirmed by histology