Resources and information for parents of children with cancer . . . by parents of children with cancer.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia, ALCL (Pediatric)

ALCL is usually classified as a type of NHL (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) because the cancer cells express the marker CD30, although it does not resemble the other types of NHL. It usually is T-cell and can present in many different tissues: skin, bone, lymph nodes, brain, soft tissues, lungs, or liver. It is usually agressive, but it can also go through periods of slow growth and occasionally resolves without treatment.

There is currently not a standardized treatment for pediatric ALCL. Pediatric oncologists generally try to use traditional NHL treatments (ICE: ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide) with limited success. Many children suffer repeated relapses.

ACOR hosts a list for parents of children with ALCL:

Links:

Bibliography:

Single-Drug Vinblastine As Salvage Treatment for Refractory or Relapsed Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma: A Report From the French Society of Pediatric Oncology. Laurence Brugières et al, JCO Early Release, published online ahead of print Sep 8 2009. Abstract.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphomas: A Study of 75 Pediatric Patients -- Pediatric and Developmental Pathology. Pediatric and Developmental Pathology, Volume 10, Issue 3 (May-June 2007), pp. 181–191. D'Amore, E.S.G., et al. Describes the morphologic and immunophenotypic features of 75 cases of pediatric anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). According to the World Health Organization classification, 49 cases were common subtype ALCL, and respectively, 3, 6, and 17 cases were small cell, lymphohistiocytic, or mixed histologic variants. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase positivity was detected in 90.7% of the tumors and, using a panel of 9 T-cell surface markers, 88% could be assigned to the T-cell lineage. Abstract.

Phase I/II study of an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody (MDX-060) in Hodgkin's lymphoma and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. Ansell, S.M., et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology. Abstract. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 25, No 19 (July 1), 2007: pp. 2764-2769.

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These pages are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to render medical advice. The information provided on Ped Onc Resource Center should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you suspect your child has a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

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