Treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2015 Feb;62(1):61-73. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2014.09.006. Epub 2014 Oct 18.

Abstract

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric oncologic diagnosis, and advances in its treatment have led to progressive improvements in survival. The 4 main components of therapy are remission induction, consolidation, maintenance, and central nervous system-directed therapy, and usually last 2 to 3 years. Treatment intensity based on risk-based stratification is the cornerstone of treatment. Patients with features of more favorable disease are spared the more toxic effects of chemotherapy, whereas more aggressive regimens are reserved for those with higher-risk disease. Prognosis of relapsed pediatric ALL depends primarily on duration of remission and site of relapse.

Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Leukemia treatment; Risk-based stratification.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents