Outcome of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in third complete remission: a vital role for graft-versus-host-disease/ graft-versus-leukaemia effect in survival

Authors: Gassas, Adam¹; Ishaqi, M Kashif¹; Afzal, Samina¹; Dupuis, Annie²; Doyle, John¹

Source: British Journal of Haematology, Volume 140, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 86-89(4)

Abstract:

Summary

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) receiving haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in third complete remission (CR3) are at high risk for transplant-related mortality (TRM) and relapse. Twenty-two consecutive children with ALL in CR3 received HSCT between January 1994 and August 2005. Ten patients died of TRM, seven patients relapsed, six did not have graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Five patients were long-term survivors, (median follow-up, 5·8 years; range 2·9-11·7). Three-year event-free survival was 0·32 (95% confidence interval 0·19 and 0·59). Survivors had moderate to severe GVHD. Allowing some GVHD or exploring means of inducing GVHD should be considered in CR3 patients.

Keywords: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia; third complete remission; graft-versus-leukaemia-effect; graft-versus-host disease; haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2007.06840.x

Affiliations: 1: Division of Haematology/Oncology/BMT 2: Division of Clinical Research Support Unit, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$50.16 plus tax Refund Policy