Autologous Bone-Marrow Transplantation in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: 1980-89

The outcome of conventional therapy in adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is disappointing. Allogeneic bone-marrow transplantation may give improved results but has only limited applicability because of the lack of a suitable donor in most patients. We have therefore investigated intensive chemotherapy and chemo/radiotherapy protocols with autologous bone-marrow rescue. 31 patients have been treated, 14 beyond first remission and 17 in first remission. The result of this therapy in both groups is poor with only 2 longterm survivors in each group. There is no reason to believe from this study that ablative therapy with autologous bone-marrow rescue will yield superior results to conventional therapy in adult ALL but further experience with TBI containing regimes is required.