Recent advances in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Burkitt leukemia) therapy in childhood.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia with Burkitt type cells has been described in 1975. Until the mid-1980, with conventional treatments, the prognosis was very poor with very few long-term survivors. Failures were mainly due to central nervous system involvement at diagnosis or relapse. After that period a dramatic improvement has been observed with intensified treatments based on Burkitt's lymphoma therapy regimens. High-dose cyclophosphamide, high-dose methotrexate, high-dose ara-C in compact protocols completed in 6-7 months have been proven useful. 75% of the patients can be cured.
Unité d'Hématologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.
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Baruchel
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Schaison
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002051:Burkitt Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome