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Murine Model of Leukemia Relapse to Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Published on: October 17, 2025
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"Exploring Hepatitis C as a Relapse Risk Factor in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Study From a
Lamiaa Fadel Alkilany1, Shaza Fadel Alkilany2, Noha Gaber3
1Virology and Immunology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
Journal of Medical Virology
|November 5, 2025
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients significantly increases relapse risk. Early HCV detection and management are crucial for improving outcomes in these vulnerable children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a concern in multiply transfused patients.
- The impact of HCV on malignancy outcomes, particularly in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), is not well understood.
- Understanding HCV's role in ALL patients is vital for improving treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of HCV in pediatric ALL patients.
- To evaluate the effect of HCV infection on treatment interruption, overall survival (OS), and relapse-free survival (RFS) in pediatric ALL.
- To identify HCV as a potential risk factor for relapse in pediatric ALL.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records for 166 pediatric ALL patients treated from January 2016 to December 2021.
- Regular follow-up of HCV serology status until December 2023.
- Statistical comparison of relapse risk, OS, and RFS between HCV-positive and HCV-negative patients.
Main Results:
- HCV infection was present in 65 (39.2%) of the 166 pediatric ALL patients.
- HCV-positive patients had a 6.7-fold higher risk of relapse compared to HCV-negative patients (p < 0.001).
- No significant difference in overall survival (OS) was observed between the two groups (p = 0.812).
Conclusions:
- A high incidence of HCV infection was found in pediatric ALL patients.
- HCV infection is a significant risk factor for relapse in pediatric ALL.
- Early detection and management of HCV are recommended to improve prognosis in pediatric ALL patients.
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