Pregnancy outcome after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia during childhood or adolescence

To evaluate gonadal function and pregnancy outcome after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia during childhood or adolescence, 44 former patients who were less than 20 years of age at diagnosis, 5 or more years from diagnosis, and 18 or more years of age were contacted. Thirty-nine (88%) provided information regarding pregnancy outcome. Gonadal function as estimated by the ability to conceive or sire a pregnancy, was not impaired despite treatment with substantial cumulative doses of methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, vincristine, and 1-asparaginase. Twelve patients reported a total of 27 pregnancies. There were four spontaneous abortions, one stillborn, and 22 liveborn infants. The birthweights were 1928 to 4536 g (median, 3430 g). Two infants had congenital anomalies. The childrens' ages ranged from 1 month to 10 years, 2 months (median, 6 years, 1 month). None has been diagnosed with any type of childhood cancer. The results of this study suggest that pregnancy outcome is not affected adversely by treatment received during childhood or adolescence for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.