First isolated extramedullary relapse in children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: results of the Cooprall-97 study

Eur J Cancer. 2008 Nov;44(16):2461-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2008.08.007. Epub 2008 Sep 18.

Abstract

We report on the efficiency of treatment of first isolated extramedullary relapse of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Sixty-eight children and adolescents were included in the trial COPRALL-97. Stratification criteria were time to relapse: first complete remission duration of less than 24 months for group G3A (n=35), relapse beyond 24 months for group G3B (n=33). Treatment consisted of risk-adapted alternating short course multiagent systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy and irradiation (18Gy). Event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for all registered patients at 6 years were 43% and 55%, respectively. EFS at 4 years for patients of group G3A and G3B were, respectively, 31% and 61% (p=0.0071) while OS at 4 years were, respectively, 40% and 76% (p=0.065). Our analyses highlighted two independent risks factors predictive of decreased EFS: early relapse and age at the initial diagnosis above 6 years. Early central nervous system relapses have a bad prognosis, and new therapeutic strategies are needed.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age of Onset
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / radiotherapy
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / therapy*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult