Long-term results of reinforcement therapy in children with acute leukemia

Abstract

A total of 180 children with acute leukemia was randomized to one of two induction regimens: vincristine plus prednisone, or 6-mercaptopurine plus prednisone. Of 170 patients evaluable for induction therapy, a hematologic remission was achieved in 83% (72/87) on vincristine plus prednisone, and in 93% (77/83) on 6-mercaptopurine plus prednisone. When hematologic remission was achieved, patients were randomized to one of three maintenance schedules: 6-mercaptopurine alone, 6-mercaptopurine plus prednisone for 4 weeks every 3 months, or 6-mercaptopurine plus prednisone plus vincristine for 4 weeks every 3 months. The durations of hematologic remission were compared from the achievement of hematologic remission to bone marrow relapse. The survival data were presented as an overview of the effect of this initial therapy on duration of survival. There was no statistical difference between the two induction regimens. The most important finding in the comparison of the three maintenance schedules was that reinforcement of 6-mercaptopurine maintenance therapy with either prednisone or prednisone plus vincristine resulted in significantly longer durations of remission. Vincristine added to prednisone for reinforcement after induction of remission by vincristine plus prednisone did not increase the duration of hematologic remission or survival over prednisone reinforcement alone.

Dissimilar courses of twins with leukemia

“…6-mercaptopurine and prednisone, while Twin B received vincristine and prednisone. Both responded rapidly as expected (15,16), and their conditions after first complete remission might be thought equivalent. However, some evidence suggests that, disregarding maintenance The etiology of leukemia remains unknown, but one feature of these twins' courses The twins' therapies differed from the beginning.…”

Leucemia Linfoblástica Aguda: Resultado del tratamiento en 130 niños

“…El esquema de tratamiento podn'a considerarse actualmente un esquema "clasico" 19 -22 - [24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] Los resultados de sobrevida estan dcntro de los margenes esperados, sobre todo, si se considera la duracion del periodo de observation. Una sobrevida de 40,9% para todo grupo (riesgo alto y estandar) a nuevc anos cs un buen resultado.…”