RESUMO
Between 1989 and 1995, 42 cases with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [18 males and 24 females] were diagnosed in our institution. Median age was 38.5 years [range, 16-88 years]. Leukocyte count was more than 30.10 9/l in 54 percent of cases. According to the French-American-British [FAB] criteria, 67 percent were classified L1 and 33 percent L2. Sixteen patients were treated with 12LA80 protocol, 14 patients with LALA 85 protocol, 6 patients with LALA 87 protocol and 6 patients with EORTC protocol. Complete remission was achieved in 22 cases [52 percent], 8 cases [20 percent] failed to respond and 12 [28 percent] died during induction. Relapse was observed in 10 cases. The 4-year survival rate was 28 percent confirming the worse prognosis of this leukemia when treated with standard chemotherapy