Mature B-cell lymphoma and leukemia in children and adolescents-review of standard chemotherapy regimen and perspectives

Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2013 Sep;30(6):465-83. doi: 10.3109/08880018.2013.783891. Epub 2013 Apr 9.

Abstract

Mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) comprises more than 50% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in children and adolescents. Many B-NHL subtypes frequently observed in adults are rarely diagnosed in children and adolescents. In this age group, Burkitt lymphoma (BL), Burkitt leukemia or FAB L3 leukemia (B-AL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMLBL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and aggressive mature B-NHL not further classifiable (B-NHL nfc) are the most common subtypes. Diverse clinical trials demonstrated similar results of current combination chemotherapy regimens succeeding in overall survival rates of more than 80%. However, treatment-related toxicity and the poor prognosis of relapse are serious concerns. Furthermore, specific histological B-NHL subtypes are rare in children and optimal treatment is not established. New treatment modalities are urgently needed for these patient groups. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody that is already established in the treatment of adults with mature B-NHL, demonstrated promising results in pediatric patients. The definitive role of rituximab in the treatment of children and adolescents with B-NHL needs to be evaluated in prospective controlled clinical trials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of chemotherapy regimens and the perspectives for children and adolescents with mature B-cell lymphoma and leukemia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / standards*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Leukemia, B-Cell / classification
  • Leukemia, B-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, B-Cell / mortality
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / classification
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / mortality
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Rituximab
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Rituximab