In a nutshell
This study looked at the risk of osteonecrosis (ON – bone death/damage) as a treatment complication in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The study found that older age and steroid drugs were risk factors for ON in the treatment of ALL.
Some background
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the bone marrow which affects the immune system. It is often treated with powerful drugs that can have many side effects. Osteonecrosis (ON) is a possible but important side effect of this treatment, particularly in children. It is important to research the risk of ON in these patients.
Methods & findings
Six hundred and sixty-five children with ALL were included in the study. Patients underwent an MRI scan to identify evidence of ON and risk factors.
Overall, 9.7% of patients developed ON. Out of the 154 patients over the age of 10, 26% developed ON, compared to 5% of those under 10 years of age. 14.8% of patients with intermediate and high-risk disease developed ON, compared to 3.4% of those with low-risk disease. 43 patients on steroid therapy developed ON and 36 (84%) of these had to lower the dose or stop treatment.
The bottom line
The study concluded that osteonecrosis is a common side effect of treatment for ALL in children. Older age and steroid therapy were risk factors for ON.
What’s next?
Discuss with your doctor about risk factors for ON.
Published By :
Pediatric blood & cancer
Date :
Sep 05, 2018
