Treatment advances in adult Burkitt lymphoma and leukemia.
OBJECTIVE
Despite significant improvements in the treatment of Burkitt lymphoma, outcomes of adults are generally inferior to those of children. This review summarizes the most recent developments in the management of Burkitt lymphoma and leukemia in adults.


RESULTS
Current regimens have largely been derived from pediatric protocols. High complete remission rates are typically achieved, but relapse remains a problem. Recent trials have validated or built upon findings from older studies.


CONCLUSIONS
The adoption of aggressive, multiagent, short-course therapy has markedly improved outcomes, but relapse rates remain relatively high in poorer-risk cohorts. New approaches are particularly needed in older patients to improve survival rates while minimizing toxicities.
Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA.
Yvette L
YL
Kasamon
Lode J
LJ
Swinnen
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D000328:Adult; D002051:Burkitt Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016483:Lymphoma, AIDS-Related / Q000209:etiology