Aggressive treatment improves survival in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract

20 consecutive adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were treated with an intense induction regimen including vincristine, doxorubicin, prednisolone, L‐asparaginase and cyclophosphamide. 16 patients (80%) achieved complete remission and were then given CNS prophylaxis and 3 years of maintenance therapy. With minimum follow‐up of 24 months, the median duration of first remission is 37 + months. Out of 10 patients who have completed maintenance therapy, 2 have relapsed after 14 and 22 months, respectively, and 7 are in continuous complete remission 1 + — 55+ months off therapy.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in adults in Sweden 1977–84: A retrospective analysis

“…In this group there were 13 out of 29 patients with known high-risk criteria. These results compare favourably with other studies reported for adult ALL-patients (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9). The outcome for patients treated with less intense induction regimen in group 1 and 2 was poor, with a probability of remaining CR of only 4 and 11070, respectively.…”

“…Treatment results in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) have improved considerably with more aggressive therapy. Remission frequencies of 70-90% with 20 to 50% disease-free survival after 3 yr have been reported (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). For subgroups of patients a long-term disease-free survival of around 60% (2.5-7.9) has been achieved.…”