Transient remission of childhood acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemia without any cytostatic treatment: 2 case reports and a review of literature

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2015 Jan;37(1):68-71. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000000152.

Abstract

Transient remissions (TRs) of acute leukemia without any antileukemic treatment are extremely rare events. We report 2 TRs of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia in a 2-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl, respectively, both associated with red blood cells and platelets transfusions and infection. These 2 factors are frequently present in previously reported cases and could induce a stimulation of the immune system although the underlying mechanisms of TRs are still unknown.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Erythrocyte Transfusion
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / immunology*
  • Male
  • Platelet Transfusion
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / immunology*
  • Remission, Spontaneous*