Introduction: Despite the poor prognosis for adults with relapsed or refractory (RR) Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-negative B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), long-term survival is possible and may even be considered as "cure".
Methods: This study used a Delphi panel approach to explore concepts of cure in RR Ph-negative B cell precursor ALL. Ten European experts in this disease area participated in a survey and face-to-face panel meeting.
Results: Findings showed that clinicians conceptualize "cure" as a combination of three broad treatment outcomes that vary depending on the treatment stage: complete remission early in treatment (1-3 months) indicates initial success; eradicating cancer cells (minimal residual disease negative status) consolidates the early clinical response; leukemia-free survival is required in the long term.
Conclusions: Although such terminology remains contested, clinicians would begin considering "cure" as early as 2 years provided the patient is off therapy, with most considering the term applicable by the third year.
Funding: Amgen Inc.
Keywords: B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Cure; Oncology; Outcomes; Refractory ALL; Relapsed ALL; Survival.