In a nutshell
This study compared the safety and effectiveness of using the same treatment protocol in patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Down’s Syndrome (DS) compared to patients with ALL without Down’s Syndrome. The study found that treatment for ALL was effective in both DS and non-DS patients but with more side effects in patients with DS.
Some background
Down’s Syndrome is a genetic condition that is linked with a higher risk of leukemia. Patients with Down’s Syndrome may need specialized treatment for ALL. It is important to research if there is a difference in the safety and effectiveness of the same ALL treatment protocols for patients with and without DS.
Methods & findings
Data from trials of ALL treatment protocol was analyzed in 38 patients with Down’s Syndrome and 1,248 non-DS patients.
Response rates and relapse rates were similar in patients with or without DS. Rates of overall survival and survival without disease was similar in both groups.
Patients with DS-ALL had higher rates of mucositis (52%) (inflammation of the lining on the inside of the digestive tract) compared to non-DS ALL patients (12%), blood clotting (18% in DS-ALL, 8% in non-DS ALL) and seizures (16% in DS-ALL and 5% in non-DS ALL).
The bottom line
The study concluded that using the same treatment protocol for ALL in DS and non-DS patients was effective but with an increased risk of side effects.
The fine print
The non-DS group was much larger than the DS group in this study which may affect results.
Published By :
Pediatric blood & cancer
Date :
Jun 07, 2018
