In a nutshell
This study examined if pediatric treatment is effective in older adolescents and young adults (AYA) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study concluded that pediatric treatment is effective in AYA under 40 with ALL.
Some background
ALL is a cancer of the bone marrow. It leads to abnormal immune cells in the blood. Some studies have shown better survival rates in AYA who received pediatric treatment, compared to adult treatment. Pediatric ALL treatment is intensive.
It is important to research if a pediatric ALL treatment can be safely and effectively used in AYA.
Methods & findings
295 young adults (ages 17-39 years) with ALL were included in this study. The treatment was called CALGB 10403 and involved 5 courses of drugs. Event-free survival (EFS) was the main outcome evaluated. EFS is the length of time after treatment cancer does not come back, or get worse.
After an average follow-up period of 64 months, the average EFS in this study was 78.1 months. In previous studies where AYA received adult treatment, the EFS was 30 months. The estimated 3-year overall survival was 73%, compared to 58% in previous studies using adult treatments. Obese patients, and those with abnormal genes had poorer outcomes.
There were a total of eight (3%) treatment-related deaths. The main causes were severe infections, liver failure and abnormal heart rhythms. Side effects of treatment included abnormal blood test results, blood clots (5%), infections (18%) and drug allergies (10%).
The bottom line
This study concluded that a pediatric treatment regimen is effective in AYA with ALL.
The fine print
The authors of this study work with companies who manufacture pediatric ALL drugs.
Published By :
Blood
Date :
Jan 18, 2019
