Treatment-related leukaemia--a clinical and scientific challenge.
The development of a second tumour, including treatment-related leukaemia (TRL), is the most devastating complication of intensive cancer chemotherapy. This is especially relevant in the paediatric population as over 70% of children diagnosed with a malignancy will now live at least 5 years. Most TRLs are myeloid leukaemias and carry an overall poor prognosis when compared with their de novo counterparts. Despite the well known association with specific cytotoxic agents, improved understanding of the pathogenesis and risk factors of TRL is ultimately essential if we are to develop successful strategies for prevention and treatment. Here we review these aspects, together with the clinical and diverse biological features of this complication and the efficacy of current therapy.
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Immunogenetics Laboratory, St Mary's Hospital, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 OJH, UK.
Taylor
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Eden
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D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000009:adverse effects; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007938:Leukemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D007953:Leukemia, Radiation-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors