Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the elderly

We report our findings in 18 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) aged 60 years or older. A preleukemic syndrome was observed in 2 patients. Compared to younger adults with ALL, L3 morphology was unexpectedly frequent (4/16). T-ALL was not observed. Other criteria of poor prognosis (high white blood cell count, CNS involvement, organomegaly, high serum LDH) were similar to those reported in young adults. 12 patients were treated with an OPAL-derived regimen, 4 with the MAV regimen, 1 with vincristine and prednisone, 1 with 6-mercaptopurine. Complete remission was achieved in 8 patients but proved short-lived. 5 patients died in aplasia and 5 failed to achieve remission. Median survival for the whole group was 3 months. ALL in the elderly raises the dilemma of an aggressive disease in patients with poor tolerance to intensive therapy.