Contributions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology to the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Cure of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia—Part 2b (Numbers 16 to 20)

Abstract

This offering represents part 2b of a second set of 5 additional contributions of pediatric hematology/oncology to the diagnosis, treatment, and potential cure of precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It contains numbers 16 to 20 and includes (16) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, newer immunotherapies including (17) blinatumomab, and (18) inotuzumab ozogamicin, (19) ploidy, and (20) creation of the “day hospital” to administer outpatient care to children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other cancers. These and the other reviewed contributions have had a significant role in improving the quality and duration of the lives of children, most of whom faced tragic and painful death back in the 1950s and 1960s. Most of our early optimistic goals were achieved and have benefitted substantially our patients, providing those of us who participated in many of these key clinical trials, a profound sense of accomplishment.