RCT: Treatment reduction for children and young adults with low-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia defined by minimal residual disease (UKALL 2003)

Source: Lancet Oncology Area: News Optimum use of chemotherapy, precise risk classification, and improved supportive care have increased the proportion of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) who survive to 5 years to ?90% in several contemporary trials. This achievement has shifted research emphasis to the reduction of toxic effects, especially in patients with a low risk of relapse, while preserving gains in long-term survival. The Medical Research Council's UKALL 2003 trial, published in The Lancet Oncology, provides evidence for the efficacy of this approach.   The study assessed whether treatment intensity could be adjusted for children and young adults according to minimal residual disease (MRD) risk stratification, which is the most sensitive and specific predictor of relapse risk in children with ALL during remission. It recruited consecutive children and young adults (aged 1-25 years) with ALL from the UK and Ireland, They were categorised into clinical standard, intermediate, and high ...
Source: NeLM - News - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news