Successful remission induction in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia at high risk for treatment failure

Abstract

Eleven children with untreated acute lymphocytic leukemia at high risk for treatment failure were given a combination of prednisone, vincristine, daunomycin, and L-asparaginase for remission induction. Negro children and those with marked leukocytosis, hepatosplenomegaly, symptomatic visceral infiltration, or other evidence of advanced disease qualified for this study. All 11 patients achieved complete remission marrow in a median time of 18 days. Reversible drug toxicity attributable to L-asparaginase included azotemia, hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia, hyperamylasemia, coagulation defects, and weight loss.