Studies from J.B. Nachman et al provide new data on acute lymphoblastic leukemia

   "Nine patients were Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) positive (4 cases: 44 chromosomes; 5 cases: 40-43 chromosomes) and were not considered further. Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) of the remaining 130 patients were 38.5% 4.4% and 49.80/6 4.2% at 8 years, respectively. There were no significant differences in outcome between patients with 24 to 29, 33 to 39, or 40 to 43 chromosomes. Compared with patients with fewer than 44 chromosomes, patients with 44 chromosomes had a significantly better EFS (P=.01; 8-year estimate, 52.2% vs 30.1 9/6) and OS (P =.017; 691% vs 37.50/6). For patients with 44 chromosomes, monosomy 7, the presence of a dicentric chromosome, or both predicted worse EFS but similar OS. Doubling of the hypodiplold clone occurred in 32 patients (24-29 chromosomes [n = 25] and 33 39 chromosomes [n = 7]) and had no prognostic implication," wrote J.B. Nachman and colleagues.

   The researchers concluded: "Children and adolescents with ALL and hypodiploidy with fewer than 44 chromosomes have a poor outcome despite contemporary therapy."

   Nachman and colleagues published their study in Blood (Outcome of treatment in children with hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood, 2007;110(4):1112-1115).

   For additional information, contact J.B. Nachman, University Chicago, Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.

   Publisher contact information for the journal Blood is: American Society Hematology, 1900 M Street. NW Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036, USA.

   Keywords: United States, Chicago, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Hematology, Oncology.

   This article was prepared by Hematology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Hematology Week via NewsRx.com.

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