A population-based study of referral, diagnostic and treatment patterns for childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia

In order to make decisions about cancer control programs, information is needed on the current management of cancer as actually practiced in the United States. A study to address this issue for acute lymphocytic leukemia in children (age 15 years and under) has been performed. The 101 patients represent all reported incident cases during 1972 in five regions which have population-based registries. Data on patient characteristics, referral patterns, treatment regimens, remission/relapse status, and survival are presented. It is concluded that the treatment strategies developed in leukemia research are reaching the general patient population. The present study can be considered a model for future studies of other forms of malignancy.