Chemotherapy induced toxicities in therapeutic trials of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

It is common practice in therapeutic trials in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) to treat chemotherapy induced toxicities. In this study, 50 newly diagnosed ALL patients were enrolled and the median age was 14.5 years. 32 patients were male and 18 female. Prognostic factors were analysed. Remission induction, consolidation and maintenance therapy with conventional combination chemotherapy and CNS prophylaxis with intrathecal methotrexate and radiotherapy were instituted to all patients for long term event free survival. Results of induction therapy and overall outcomes of treatment were observed. Chemotherapy induced toxicities were also detected and treated accordingly. These toxicities were described in 4 groups depending on the frequency of their development in chemotherapy received patients. Haematological and gastrointestinal side effects and alopecia were expected i.e., developed in >75% of patients. Prednisolone and vincristine induced toxicities were common i.e., observed in >25% of patients. Hepatic complications and anthracycline induced tachycardia were occasional i.e., occurred in <25% and localized phlebitis and/ or soft tissue necrosis were rare and accidental i.e., developed in 5% of patients.