Improved Prognosis of Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia in Children: Results of the 12th‐ANLL Protocol of Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group

Abstract

Thirty‐one children with ANLL were treated using the 12th‐ANLL Protocol of the Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group incorporating an ACMP 2‐step regimen. Induction therapy consisted of two 4‐day courses of adriamycin (ADR) and cytosine arabinoside (ARA‐C) given with a 7‐day interval. Those patients who achieved remission were given one more course as early intensification. Late intensification consisted of a 5‐day course of ARA‐C and one dose of ADR which was repeated until the cumulative dosage of ADR reached 465 mg/m² After this point, treatment was divided into 2 courses. Both courses included ARA‐C and one course had achlacinomycin in addition. Twenty‐seven children (87%) attained remission after one or two courses of induction therapy. Kaplan‐Meyer analysis revealed that the continuous complete remission rate and event‐free survival were 71% and 51%, respectively, 5 years after diagnosis. Toxicity was minimum with only one death during the remission. These results are encouraging and warrant further trials.