Outcome of adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL Consortium Protocols, 1991–2000

Abstract

9023 Background: Historically, adolescents with ALL have had inferior outcomes compared with younger pediatric patients (pts). Recent studies suggest that older adolescents treated on pediatric protocols have better outcomes than similarly aged pts treated on adult protocols. We report the outcome of adolescents enrolled on two consecutive DFCI ALL Consortium protocols conducted between 1991–2000. Methods: Pts aged 1–18 years (yrs) with newly diagnosed ALL were enrolled on two consecutive protocols, 91–01 (1991–1995) and 95–01(1995–2000). All adolescent pts received 20–30 weeks asparaginase (post-remission consolidation), 18 Gy cranial radiation and doxorubicin (cumulative dose 300 mg/m2). Results: 847 pts were enrolled. Median follow-up was 6.5 yrs. Presenting characteristics and outcome of pts according to age are displayed in the table below. Older pts (age ≥ 10 yrs) were more likely to experience pancreatitis (p=0.007) and thromboembolic complications (p<0.001) from asparaginase, but had similar rates of asparaginase-related allergic events (p=0.21) compared to younger pts. Conclusions: Older adolescents (aged 15–18 yrs) with ALL are more likely to present with T-cell phenotype and TEL/AML1-negative disease than younger children. Despite these biologic differences, older adolescents (aged 15–18 yrs) fared relatively well on DFCI ALL Consortium protocols, with a 5-year EFS of 75 ± 6%. This EFS rate compares favorably to published outcomes for older adolescents treated on other childhood ALL protocols. Although adolescents had an increased risk of asparaginase-related toxicity, this therapy was well-tolerated overall. Based on this experience, we are currently piloting our treatment regimen in adults aged 18–50 yrs. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.