Long-term survival for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children improved over the last three decades up to 80-90% of affected patients. Consequently, the quality of life of survivors has become increasingly important. This study analyses the clinical features and outcome of 119 children with ALL, focusing on the quality of long-term survival in a subset of 22 patients over 18 years of age. Among this group, the 10-year event-free survival and overall survival were 83.1% (C.I. 74.0-89.2) and 88.4% (C.I. 80.9-93.1), respectively. Treatment related long-term medical complications were reported only in 2 patients (9.1%). Secondary school was completed successfully in 20 of 22 patients (89.9%). The remaining 2 patients were still attending at the time of the analysis. In conclusion, current treatment for ALL is well tolerated and does not compromise significantly the quality of life of survivors.
Keywords: acute lymphoblastic leukemia; pediatric leukemia; survival.
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