Adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Report of 42 cases

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

Elderly acute leukemia: report of 40 cases

Between 1989 and 1996, 40 cases with acute leukemia [16 males and 24 females] were diagnosed in out institution. Median age was 65 years [range, 56- 88 years]. Leukocyte count was more than 30.109/1 in 42 percent of cases. According to the French-American-British [FAB] criteria, 11 cases were classified lymphoblastic and 29 myeloblastic. Sixteen patients have received palliative treatment because of there age and there bad performance status. Only 24 patients have received curative treatment. Complete remission was achieved in 12 cases [50 percent], 5 cases [20 percent] failed to respond and 7 [30 percent] died during induction. Relapse was observed in 8 cases. The 2-year survival rate was 10 percent confirming the worse prognosis of the acute leukemia in elderly