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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Modeling Chemotherapy Resistant Leukemia In Vitro
Published on: February 9, 2016
Mineral homeostasis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia before and after chemotherapy
C Y Jamal1, M A Karim, M H Rahman
1Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Insights
This study found significant changes in serum phosphate levels in children undergoing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment. Mineral levels, including calcium and phosphate, were monitored before and after induction chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
Background:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common childhood cancer.
- Chemotherapy for ALL can lead to significant metabolic and mineral disturbances.
- Monitoring mineral changes is crucial for managing treatment side effects in pediatric ALL patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate mineral level alterations in children with ALL.
- To compare pre-induction and post-induction chemotherapy mineral profiles.
- To identify significant changes in serum calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Inclusion of 32 children (aged 1-14 years) diagnosed with ALL.
- Measurement of serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, creatinine, and urinary calcium and creatinine.
Main Results:
- Serum phosphate levels showed a statistically significant decrease post-induction chemotherapy.
- Mean serum calcium levels slightly decreased but not significantly.
- Serum alkaline phosphatase levels increased post-induction, but the change was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Induction chemotherapy for ALL significantly impacts serum phosphate levels in children.
- Close monitoring of mineral balance is essential during pediatric ALL treatment.
- Further research may explore interventions to mitigate chemotherapy-induced mineral imbalances.
Abstract:
A prospective study was carried out in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh to evaluate the pattern of mineral changes in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) before and after induction chemotherapy. A total number of 32 children aged 1-14 years of both sexes were evaluated. Serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, albumin and creatinine and urinary creatinine and calcium were estimated in cases and control. The mean calcium level at presentation and post induction was 9.50±1.48 mg/dl and 9.08±1.30 mg/dl. Serum phosphate was higher in preinduction mean of 4.83±2.71 mg/dl than post induction value of 4.75±1.38 mg/dl and it was statistically significant. Serum alkaline phosphatase was higher in the post induction period. It was 324.8±128.17 U/L in pre induction and 331.59±93.97 u/l in post induction period. It was not statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found in pre and post induction urinary calcium and creatinine.
