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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Anthony MoormanORCiD
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Although the incidence rate of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is slightly higher in older than in younger adults, response rates to induction chemotherapy and survival rates are poorer. The contribution of disease-related versus treatment-related factors remains unclear. We analysed 100 older patients (aged 55-65 years) treated on the UKALLXII/ECOG2993 trial compared with 1814 younger patients (aged 14-54 years). Baseline characteristics, induction chemotherapy course, infections, drug reductions and survival outcomes were compared. There were more Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) patients in the older group (28% vs. 17%, P = 0.02), and a trend towards higher combined cytogenetic risk score (46% vs. 35%, P = 0.07). The complete remission rate in older patients was worse (73% vs. 93%, P < 0.0001) as was 5-year overall survival (21% vs. 41%, P < 0.0001) and event-free survival (EFS) (19% vs. 37%, P < 0.0001). Older patients had more infections during induction (81% vs. 70%, P = 0.05), and drug reductions (46% vs. 28%, P = 0.0009). Among older patients, Ph+ and cytogenetic risk category as well as infection during induction predicted for worse EFS. Poorer outcomes in these patients are partly due to cytogenetic risk, but there is significant morbidity and mortality during induction chemotherapy with frequent delays and drug reductions. New approaches, including better risk stratification and use of targeted therapies, could improve treatment for these patients.
Author(s): Sive JI, Buck G, Fielding A, Lazarus HM, Litzow MR, Luger S, Marks DI, McMillan A, Moorman AV, Richards SM, Rowe JM, Tallman MS, Goldstone AH
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: British Journal of Haematology
Year: 2012
Volume: 157
Issue: 4
Pages: 463-471
Print publication date: 13/03/2012
ISSN (print): 0007-1048
ISSN (electronic): 1365-2141
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2141.2012.09095.x
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2012.09095.x
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