Drug dosage and remission duration in childhood lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Children with acute lymphocytic leukemia in complete remission were randomized between 2 combination chemotherapy schedules for continuation of their remissions. One group received full dosage of 4 antileukemic drugs, and the other received half dosage of the same compounds. Median durations of complete remission and of hematologic remission were longer in the full-dosage than half-dosage group. Four out of 21 patients in the full-dosage group continue in their initial complete remission for 40 to 48 months and have been off treatment for 3 months to 1 year. Nine in the full-dosage group and 4 in the half-dosage group remain in continuous hematologic remission for 40 to 55 months. Review of results of previous combination chemotherapy studies of childhood lymphocytic leukemia at this hospital indicated a 17 per cent 5-year leukemia-free survival rate.