Poor outlook for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with relapse

Results of treatment in 72 children with a relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were analysed. A second remission was induced in 57 children (79%). Remission rates were significantly higher in males, and in patients with white cell counts less than 30 X 10(9)/L. The median duration of the second remission was only four months, and the median duration of survival from the time of relapse was nine months. The median duration of survival from the time of diagnosis was 27 months. Among children who suffered a relapse was a small group who had prolonged survival and prolonged second remissions. It is uncertain whether some of these may have a chance of "cure".