[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults. Apropos of 42 cases]

Between 1989 and 1995, 42 cases with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (18 males and 24 females) were diagnosed in our institution. Median age was 38.5 years (range, 16-88 years). Leukocyte count was more than 30.10(9)/l in 54% of cases. According to the French-American-British (FAB) criteria, 67% were classified L1 and 33% L2. Sixteen patients were treated with 12LA80 protocol, 14 patients with LALA 85 protocol, 6 patients with LALA 87 protocol and 6 patients with EORTC protocol. Complete remission was achieved in 22 cases (52%), 8 cases (20%) failed to respond and 12 (28%) died during induction. Relapse was observed in 10 cases. The 4-year survival rate was 28% confirming the worse prognosis of this leukemia when treated with standard chemotherapy.