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Murine Model of Leukemia Relapse to Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Published on: October 17, 2025
Pattern of relapse in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in a tertiary care unit
Emad Uddin Siddiqui1, Sayyeda Ghazala Kazi1, Muhammad Irfan Habib2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Karachi.
Insights
Relapse is common in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Central nervous system relapse occurred most frequently, highlighting the need for improved treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
Background:
- Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains a significant health concern.
- Understanding relapse patterns is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, location, and timing of relapse in pediatric ALL.
- To explore the association between relapse and key prognostic factors.
Main Methods:
- A prospective descriptive observational study was conducted from June 2005 to May 2007.
- Newly-diagnosed pediatric ALL cases underwent bone marrow aspiration and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
- Data were analyzed using SPSS 12.
Main Results:
- Out of 55 patients, 12 (20%) experienced relapse, with a mean age of 6.8 years.
- Central nervous system relapse was most common (8/12 patients), followed by bone marrow relapse (3/12 patients).
- The mean time to relapse from diagnosis was 1.3 years.
Conclusions:
- Relapse is a frequent occurrence in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
- Despite advancements in treatment, relapse remains a challenge in managing pediatric ALL.
Objective:
To determine the frequency, site and time to relapse from diagnosis, and to see the relationship of relapse with important prognostic factors.
Methods:
The prospective descriptive observational study was conducted at the National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, June 2005 to May 2007, and comprised newly-diagnosed cases of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Bone marrow aspiration was done on reappearance of blast cells in peripheral smear and cerebrospinal fluid. Detailed report was done each time when intra-thecal chemotherapy was given or there were signs and symptoms suggestive of central nervous system relapse. SPSS 12 was used for data analysis.
Results:
Of the 60 patients enrolled, 4(6.6%) expired and 1(1.7%) was lost to follow-up. Of the 55(91.6%) who comprised the study sample, 35(58%) were males and 25(42%) females. Mean age of relapse was 6.8±3.27 years. Mean time to relapse from diagnosis was 1.3±0.54 years; 12(20%) patients suffered relapse, and of them 5(14%) were boys. Central nervous system relapse in 8(67%) patients was the most common site, with 3(25%) bone-marrow relapses. Out of 12 patient with relapses, 9(75%) had white blood cell count less than 50,000/cm.
Conclusions:
Relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was common, although treatment modalities are improving day by day.
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