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[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood. A 10-year experience with the DFCI 81-01 protocol]
A F de Lacerda1, M Chagas, A Neto
1Serviço de Pediatria, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Francisco Gentil, Lisboa.
Insights
This study reports an 80% 5-year survival rate for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) using a modified DFCI 81-01 protocol. Researchers are transitioning to a new protocol to reduce long-term toxicity while maintaining cure rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer.
- Current cure rates for pediatric ALL approach 70%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a modified DFCI 81-01 treatment protocol for pediatric ALL.
- To report the outcomes of patients treated at the Center over a ten-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient data over ten years.
- Application of a treatment protocol adapted from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) 81-01 protocol.
Main Results:
- The adapted protocol demonstrated an 80% 5-year survival rate.
- The treatment regimen was found to be easily administered and well-tolerated by patients.
Conclusions:
- The modified DFCI 81-01 protocol significantly improved outcomes for pediatric ALL patients.
- Future research will focus on a new protocol to maintain high cure rates with reduced long-term toxicity.
Abstract:
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most frequently encountered pediatric cancer. Approximately 70% of cases can be cured of the disease. In this article, we describe the experience of our Center in the last ten years with a treatment protocol adapted from protocol DFCI 81-01 (from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston). We conclude that it is easily accomplished, well tolerated and that it allowed us to significantly improve the outcome of our patients (80% 5 year-survival). Nevertheless, we are currently in the process of changing to a new protocol--one that will hopefully achieve a comparable cure rate with less long-term toxicity.