Cytotoxic chemotherapy administered to two patients with partially refractory leukaemia while receiving intensive care treatment.

Administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy to a mechanically ventilated patient is a major undertaking. Induction of remission of leukaemia under such circumstances is an extremely rare event. We report two patients with partially refractory acute myeloid leukaemia who achieved remission of their leukaemia after receiving chemotherapy in the intensive care unit. Both patients were subsequently cured by allogeneic bone marrow transplant.