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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Pre-clinical Evaluation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Treatment of Acute Leukemia
Published on: September 19, 2013
Treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Malaysia, 1976-1982
Insights
This study on childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Malaysia found a 94% remission rate but lower survival than developed countries. Prognosis varied by initial white cell count, impacting treatment and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common childhood cancer.
- Treatment protocols and outcomes can vary significantly based on geographic location and healthcare resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate treatment outcomes for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Malaysia.
- To identify prognostic factors influencing remission and survival rates in pediatric ALL patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 104 children diagnosed with ALL between 1976-1982.
- Patients stratified into good prognosis (GP) and bad prognosis (BP) groups based on initial white cell count.
- Treatment varied during the maintenance phase; outcomes assessed for remission, relapse, and survival.
Main Results:
- 82 patients (94%) achieved remission; 10 (12%) died from infection during remission.
- 28 patients (34%) relapsed during treatment, 3 after therapy cessation.
- Disease-free survival at 3 and 5 years was 40% and 25%, respectively; survival in CCR was better in the GP group up to 30 months.
Conclusions:
- Childhood ALL treatment in Malaysia during this period yielded high remission rates but lower survival compared to developed nations.
- Initial white cell count was a significant prognostic factor for survival.
- Further investigation into factors contributing to lower survival rates is warranted.
Abstract:
One hundred four children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were diagnosed at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, between 1976 and 1982; 87 were evaluable with respect to treatment. They were divided into good prognosis (GP) and bad prognosis (BP) groups based on their initial total white cell count, their treatment differing only during the maintenance phase. Remission was achieved in 82 patients (94%) of whom ten (12%) subsequently died in remission from infection. Twenty-eight (34%) relapsed while on treatment and three while off therapy. Eleven patients ceased treatment after 3 yr of continuous complete remission (CCR). Three of these later relapsed, two within the first year. Survival in CCR was significantly better in the GP group up to 30 months, after which the difference diminished. There was no difference in survival between boys and girls. The overall disease-free survival at 3 yr and 5 yr was 40% and 25%, respectively, with a median follow-up period of 20 months (range 4-69 months). The reasons for the relatively low survival rates as compared with those in developed countries are discussed.
