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

Leukemia: Bibliography of ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) Journal Articles

The articles listed on this page in no way reflect the total number of journal articles on ALL. Some are ones which I came across or have a copy of for personal interest; some were given in online discussions; some I came across from PubMed searches. I note at each reference if I have a copy of the article and if possible give a link to the PubMed abstract. Some articles are available online as full-text web versions or pdf files.

You can do your own search on PubMed for articles on ALL (or any topic). PubMed is the National Library of Medicine's search service that provides access to over 11 million citations in MEDLINE, PreMEDLINE, and other related databases, with links to participating online journals. The PubMed link is in the navigation links on the left-side of this web page.

The articles are listed in chronological order, most recent first. Exception: Relapsed ALL articles are grouped together near the bottom of the page.

Note: some of the links expire as the hosting web site moves articles.

General ALL Articles

2008

Octreotide therapy in asparaginase-associated pancreatitis in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Shu-Fen Wu et al. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Volume 51, Issue 6, 2008, pp. 824-825. Abstract.

Risk prediction of fever in neutropenia in children with cancer: A step towards individually tailored supportive therapy? Silvia Wicki et al. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Volume 51, Issue 6, 2008, pp. 778-783. Abstract. "The two models predicting FN and FN with bacteremia were based on five easily accessible clinical variables. Before clinical application, they need to be validated by prospective studies."

A comprehensive analysis of the CDKN2A gene in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia reveals genomic deletion, copy number neutral loss of heterozygosity and association with specific cytogenetic subgroups. Sarina Sulong et al. Blood First Edition Paper, prepublished online October 6, 2008. Abstract. (CDKN2A is a tumor suppressor gene; results of study are complex.)

Impaired dexamethasone-related increase of anticoagulants is associated with the development of osteonecrosis in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Mariel L. te Winkel et al. Haematologica, Vol 93, Issue 10, 1570-1574, 2008. Abstract.

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy and safety of a new recombinant asparaginase preparation in children with previously untreated acute lymphoblastic leukemia- a randomized phase II clinical trial. Rob Pieters et al. Blood First Edition Paper, prepublished online September 19, 2008. Abstract.

Integration of genomic and gene expression data of childhood ALL without known aberrations identifies subgroups with specific genetic hallmarks. Centro Ricerca Tettamanti et al. Genes Chromosomes Cancer. 2008 Sep 19. [Epub ahead of print] Abstract.

FDA Drug Approval Summary: Nelarabine (Arranon®) for the Treatment of T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma. Martin H. Cohen, John R. Johnson, Robert Justice, Richard Pazdur. The Oncologist, Vol. 13, No. 6, 709-714, June 2008. Article.

Polymorphisms and haplotypes of the NBS1 gene in childhood acute leukaemia. Maria Mosor et al. European Journal of Cancer online 8/08. Abstract.

Gene Expression Signatures Predictive of Early Response and Outcome in High-Risk Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Children's Oncology Group Study on Behalf of the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group and the German Cooperative Study Group for Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Deepa Bhojwani et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 27 (September 20), 2008: pp. 4376-4384. Abstract. "Conclusion: Genes and pathways that play a role in early blast regression may identify patients who may be at risk for inferior responses to treatment. A fully validated predictive gene expression signature was defined for high-risk ALL that provided insight into the biologic mechanisms of treatment failure."

The complex genomic profile of ETV6-RUNX1 positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia highlights a recurrent deletion of TBL1XR1. Helen Parker et al. Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer, Published Online: 2 Sep 2008. Abstract. "The ETV6-RUNX1 fusion is the molecular consequence of the t(12;21)(p13;q22) seen in 25% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). . . . We provide evidence that implicates this deletion in the inappropriate control of gene expression in these patients. The target of the interaction between TBL1XR1 and the signaling pathways described here may be exploited in cancer therapy."

Significance of the complete clearance of peripheral blasts after 7 days of prednisolone treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: the Tokyo Children’s Cancer Study Group Study L99-15. Atsushi Manabe et al. Haematologica, Vol 93, Issue 8, 1155-1160, 2008. Abstract. "Conclusions: Children with Day8NoBlasts constituted one third of all the cases with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia with an excellent outcome, and should be candidates for curative management with less intensive treatment."

Clinical importance of minimal residual disease testing in the therapy of childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Ye QD et al. 2008 Jun;10(3):333-6. (Journal not given in PubMed.) Abstract. (Article in Chinese, but abstract is in English.)

Status of minimal residual disease testing in childhood haematological malignancies. Dario Campana. British Journal of Haematology, Published Online: 15 Aug 2008. Abstract. A review article authored by one of the pioneers of MRD testing.

Mutation of Genes Affecting the RAS Pathway Is Common in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Marian Case et al. Cancer Research 68, 6803-6809, August 15, 2008. Abstract. "Inhibitors of the pathway, which are currently undergoing clinical trial, may be a novel therapeutic option for cALL, particularly at relapse."

Mutation of Genes Affecting the RAS Pathway Is Common in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Marian Case et al. Cancer Research 68, 6803-6809, August 15, 2008. Abstract. "Inhibitors of the pathway, which are currently undergoing clinical trial, may be a novel therapeutic option for cALL, particularly at relapse."

CD34 expression is associated with poor survival in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Martine van Grotel et al (Netherlands). Pediatric Blood & Cancer, pub. online 5 Aug 2008. Abstract.

Significance of the complete clearance of peripheral blasts after 7 days of prednisolone treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: the Tokyo Children’s Cancer Study Group Study L99-15. Atsushi Manabe et al. Haematologica, Vol 93, Issue 8, 1155-1160. Abstract. (Free full text.)

Host factors and consequence of chemotherapy in pediatric cancer patients. L'Aurelle A. Johnson, PhD, Julie A. Ross, PhD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:320-326. Abstract. A review article: "One of the challenges in this population is determining the most efficacious therapeutic regimens for these individuals. Factors such as drug metabolism, genetics, and concomitant disease affect drug efficacy and may be important in determining therapeutic outcomes in these patients."

A PAI-1 (SERPINE1) polymorphism predicts osteonecrosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group. Deborah French et al. Blood, 1 May 2008, Vol. 111, No. 9, pp. 4496-4499. Abstract.

FDA Drug Approval Summary: Nelarabine (Arranon®) for the Treatment of T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma. Martin H. Cohen, John R. Johnson, Robert Justice, Richard Pazdur. The Oncologist, Vol. 13, No. 6, 709-714, June 2008; doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2006-0017. Full Text.

Minimal Residual Disease Values Discriminate Between Low and High Relapse Risk in Children With B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and an Intrachromosomal Amplification of Chromosome 21: The Austrian and German Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (ALL-BFM) Trials. Andishe Attarbaschi et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 18 (June 20), 2008: pp. 3046-3050. Abstract.

Childhood leukaemia: experiences of children and attitudes of parents on dental care. Çubukcu Ç.E. & Gune A.M. (2007) European Journal of Cancer Care17, 285-289. Abstract.

Ten-year survival of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group. Michael E. Trigg et al. Leukemia and Lymphoma, Volume 49, Issue 6 June 2008, pages 1142-1154. Abstract. For children enrolled on CCG trials from 1983-1989, the 10-year overall survival rate was 73%.

Clinical utility of array comparative genomic hybridization for detection of chromosomal abnormalities in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Karen R. Rabin et al. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:171-177. Abstract. Comment on this article in the same journal, p. 153-4, by Douglas K. Graham and Stephen P. Hunger, "BAC to the future? comparative genomic hybridization and genotyping pediatric leukemia cytogenetic abnormalities". Briefly, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) or aCGH is a new procedure that complements FISH. "Thus, technology remains a moving target. Just when we think we understand how to best characterize tumors, new technologies come along that challenge us to rethink our assumptions. Over the next decade, tools such as aCGH, SNP chips, and gene expression profiles will be incorporated into the diagnosis and management of children with ALL, and other forms of cancer. For our patients, the ancient Chinese proverb may you live in exciting times is not a curse, but rather provides great hope."

Eligibility for allogeneic transplantation in very high risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: the impact of the waiting time. Adriana Balduzzi et al. Haematologica, Vol 93, Issue 6, 925-929, 2008. Abstract.

DNA variants in the dihydrofolate reductase gene and outcome in childhood ALL. Stéphanie Dulucq et al. Blood, 1 April 2008, Vol. 111, No. 7, pp. 3692-3700. Abstract.

Integration of conventional cytogenetics (G-banding), comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (i-FISH) for the detection of genomic rearrangements in acute leukemia. Peter McGrattan et al. J Clin Pathol. Published Online First: 12 May 2008. Abstract.

Treating dexamethasone-induced mood disorders in children with leukemia. Divya-Devi Joshi. Pediatric Blood and Cancer, Volume 51 Issue 1, Page 147, 2008. No abstract available.

Prospective Analysis of TEL Gene Rearrangements in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Children's Oncology Group Study. Jeffrey E. Rubnitz et al. (St Judes). Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 13 (May 1), 2008: pp. 2186-2191. Abstract.

Risk-adjusted therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia can decrease treatment burden and improve survival: treatment results of 2169 unselected pediatric and adolescent patients enrolled in the trial ALL-BFM 95. Anja Möricke et al. (Germany) Blood, 1 May 2008, Vol. 111, No. 9, pp. 4477-4489. Abstract.

Treatment of childhood T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma according to the strategy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, without radiotherapy: Long term results of the EORTC CLG 58881 trial. Anne Uyttebroeck et al. European Journal of Cancer, Volume 44, Issue 6, April 2008, Pages 840-846. Abstract.

Minimal residual disease-directed risk stratification using real-time quantitative PCR analysis of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements in the international multicenter trial AIEOP-BFM ALL 2000 for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. T Flohr et al. Leukemia (2008) 22, 771–782. Abstract.

Asparaginase May Influence Dexamethasone Pharmacokinetics in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Lei Yang, John C. Panetta, Xiangjun Cai, Wenjian Yang, Deqing Pei, Cheng Cheng, Nancy Kornegay, Ching-Hon Pui, Mary V. Relling. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 12 (April 20), 2008: pp. 1932-1939. Abstract.

Clinical significance of minimal residual disease in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its relationship to other prognostic factors: A Children's Oncology Group study. Michael J Borowitz et al. Blood First Edition Paper, prepublished online April 3, 2008. Abstract. This article summarizes the MRD results of the COG/POG 9900 series of trials.

DNA variants in the dihydrofolate reductase gene and outcome in childhood ALL. Stéphanie Duluc et al., Blood, 1 April 2008, Vol. 111, No. 7, pp. 3692-3700. Abstract.

Bone marrow fibrosis in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia correlates to biological factors, treatment response and outcome. U Noren-Nystrom, G Roos, A Bergh, J Botling, G Lonnerholm, A Porwit, M Heyman and E Forestier. Leukemia (2008) 22, 504–510. Full text. Reticulin fiber density (RFD) is measured at diagnosis and day 29 and correlated with treatment outcome in pre-B ALL. "To our knowledge, these findings are novel and may indicate BM fibrosis as a new valuable prognostic marker in childhood ALL. Expanded use of BM biopsy both at diagnosis and during follow-up is suggested." (Swedish study.)

Early postinduction intensification therapy improves survival for children and adolescents with high–risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group. (CCG 1961) Nita L. Seibel et al, Blood, 1 March 2008, Vol. 111, No. 5, pp. 2548-2555. Abstract.

Parent distress in childhood cancer: A comparative evaluation of posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression and anxiety. Annika Lindahl Norberg et al. Acta Oncologica, Volume 47, Issue 2 2008 , pages 267 - 274. Abstract.

Initiating and Cancer-Propagating Cells in TEL-AML1-Associated Childhood Leukemia. Dengli Hong et al, Science 18 January 2008: Vol. 319. no. 5861, pp. 336 - 339. Abstract. This is the journal article behind the lay articles on "leukemia stem cells". (More information on the clinical trials page.)

Treating dexamethasone-induced mood disorders in children with leukemia. Divya-Devi Joshi. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, early view, Jan. 2008. Abstract.

Neurochemical markers of brain damage in cerebrospinal fluid during induction treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. Gustaf Osterlundh et al. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Volume 50, Issue 4, p. 793-798. Abstract.

High incidence of avascular necrosis in adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a UKALL XII analysis. B Patel, S M Richards, J M Rowe, A H Goldstone and A K Fielding. Leukemia (2008) 22, 308–312. Abstract.

Height deficit during and many years after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children: A review. Marcos Borato Viana, Maria Ivone Oliveira Pinto Vilela. Pediatric Blood & Cancer Volume 50, Issue S2, 2008, p. 509-516. Abstract.

Bringing evidence to complementary and alternative medicine in children with cancer: Focus on nutrition-related therapies. Kara M. Kelly. Pediatric Blood & Cancer Volume 50, Issue S2, 2008, pp. 490-493. Abstract.

Complementary and alternative (CAM) dietary therapies for cancer
Sheila. Pediatric Blood & Cancer Volume 50, Issue S2, 2008, pp. 494-497. Abstract. (Note: There are a few more nutrition articles in this same issue.)

Childhood cancer and vitamins: Prevention and treatment. Virginia A. Stallings. Pediatric Blood & Cancer Volume 50, Issue S2, 2008, pp. 442-444. Abstract.

2007

New therapeutic strategies for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Ching-Hon Pui and Sima Jeha. Nature, Vol. 6 Feb 2007, p. 149. (A review article.)

Absolute lymphocyte count is a novel prognostic indicator in ALL and AML; Implications for risk stratification and future studies. Guillermo De Angulo et al. Cancer, Volume 112, Issue 2 , Pages 407 - 415. Abstract.

Topoisomerase IIß–Mediated DNA Double-Strand Breaks: Implications in Doxorubicin Cardiotoxicity and Prevention by Dexrazoxane. Lyu YL, Kerrigan JE, Lin CP, Azarova AM, Tsai YC, Ban Y, Liu LF. Cancer Res. 2007 Sep 15;67(18):8839-46. PubMed Abstract.

Long-Term Results of the AIEOP-ALL-95 Trial for Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Insight on the Prognostic Value of DNA Index in the Framework of Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster–Based Chemotherapy. Maurizio Aricò et. al. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 2 (January 10), 2008: pp. 283-289. Abstract.

Triple intrathecal therapy without cranial irradiation for central nervous system preventive therapy in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Wei-Ying Lin et al. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Volume 50, Issue 3, 2008, pp. 523 - 527. Abstract.

CAG regimen enables relapsed or refractory T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia patients to achieve complete remission: A report of six cases. Sheng-Li Xue et al. American Journal of Hematology, Volume 83, Issue 2 , Pages 167 - 170, 2007. Abstract.

CNS complications in children receiving chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Retrospective analysis and clinical study of survivors. Katrin Schmidt, Ansgar Stephan Schulz, Klaus-Michael Debatin, Wilhelm Friedrich, Carl Friedrich Classen. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Volume 50, Issue 2, Pages 331 - 336. Abstract.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in infancy. Lewis B. Silverman. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Volume 49, Issue S7, 2007, 1070-1073. Abstract.

Immunizations for children with cancer. Upton D. Allen. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Volume 49, Issue S7, 2007, 1102-1108. Abstract.

Comparable long-term survival after bone marrow versus peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation from matched unrelated donors in children with hematologic malignancies. Meisel R et al. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2007 Nov;13(11):1338-45. PubMed abstract.

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant in Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. A K Fielding and A H Goldston. Bone Marrow Transplantation advance online publication 29 October 2007. A review article. Abstract.

High interleukin-15 expression characterizes childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia with involvement of the CNS. Cario G, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2007 Oct 20;25(30):4813-20. PubMed Abstract.

Screening for leukemia- and clone-specific markers at birth in children with T-cell precursor ALL suggests a predominantly postnatal origin. Fischer, S., et al. Blood. 2007 Oct 15;110(8):3036-8. PubMed Abstract.

Graft-versus-leukemia effect in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: significantly lower relapse rate in unrelated transplantations. Gassas, A., et al. Bone Marrow Transplant. 2007 Sep 17. Abstract.

Outcome of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in third complete remission: a vital role for graft-versus-host-disease/ graft-versus-leukaemia effect in survival. Br J Haematol. 2007 Sep 25. Gassas, A., et al. Abstract.

Clofarabine Induced Durable Complete Remission in Heavily Pretreated Adolescents With Relapsed and Refractory Leukemia. Steinherz, Peter G. J Ped Hem/Onc, Volume 29(9) 2007, pg. 656-658. Abstract.

Allergic Reactions to E. coli L-Asparaginase Do Not Affect Outcome in Childhood B-precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Children's Oncology Group Study. Wacker, Pierre et al., J Ped Hem/Onc, Volume 29(9) 2007, pg. 627-632. Abstract.

Integrating molecular information into treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Martin Stanulla et al., Blood Cells, Molecules, and Diseases, Volume 39, Issue 2, September-October 2007, Pages 160-163. Abstract. Full text online.

Diagnosis and genetic subtypes of leukemia combining gene expression and flow cytometry. Giuseppe Basso et al., Blood Cells, Molecules, and Diseases, Volume 39, Issue 2, September-October 2007, Pages 164-168. Abstract. Full text online.

Children with hyperdiploid but not triple trisomy (+4,+10,+17) acute lymphoblastic leukemia have an increased incidence of extramedullary relapse on current therapies: A single institution experience. Anjali Sharathkuma et al. American Journal of Hematology. Published Online: 15 Aug 2007. Abstract.

Survivin and its prognostic significance in pediatric acute B cell precursor lymphoblastic leukemia. Troeger, A., et al. Haematologica, 2007;92:1043-1050. Abstract. "Overexpression of survivin in BCP-ALL identifies patients with a high risk of early relapse. Upon confirmation in a prospective analysis, survivin expression may, in the future, serve to further refine treatment stratification with intensification of therapy in those patients prone to relapse."

A set of genes that regulate cell proliferation predicts treatment outcome in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Flotho, C., et al. Blood, 15 August 2007, Vol. 110, No. 4, pp. 1271-1277. Abstract. Interesting article on gene expression profiling.

Quantitative analysis of minimal residual disease predicts relapse in children with B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia in DFCI ALL Consortium Protocol 95-01. Jianbiao Zhou et al., Blood, 1 September 2007, Vol. 110, No. 5, pp. 1607-1611. Abstract.

ZAP-70 is highly expressed in most cases of childhood pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. F Wandroo et al., International Journal of Laboratory Hematology (OnlineEarly Articles), August 2007. Abstract.

Methotrexate concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and serum, and the risk of central nervous system relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Jonsson P, Hoglund P, Wiebe T, Schroder H, Seidel H, Skarby T. Anticancer Drugs. 2007 Sep;18(8):941-8. Abstract.

Unrelated cord blood transplant in children with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a long-term follow-up. Iori AP, Arcese W, Milano F, Calabrese E, Torelli GF, Barberi W, Mascolo MG, De Felice L, Screnci M, Lucarelli B, Malandruccolo L, Perrone MP, Salvatori S, Laurenti L, Iannella E, Ricci R, Moleti ML, Foà R. Haematologica. 2007 Aug;92(8):1051-8. Epub 2007 Jul 20. Abstract.

Outcome of treatment in children with hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia. James B. Nachman, Nyla A. Heerema, Harland Sather, Bruce Camitta, Erik Forestier, Christine J. Harrison, Nicole Dastugue, Martin Schrappe, Ching-Hon Pui, Giuseppe Basso, Lewis B. Silverman, and Gritta E. Janka-Schaub. Blood 2007;110 1112-1115. Abstract.

Antimetabolite therapy for lesser-risk B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia of childhood: a report from Children's Oncology Group Study P9201. Allen R. Chauvenet, Paul L. Martin, Meenakshi Devidas, Stephen B. Linda, Beverly A. Bell, Joanne Kurtzberg, Jeanette Pullen, Mark J. Pettenati, Andrew J. Carroll, Jonathan J. Shuster, and Bruce Camitta Blood 2007;110 1105-1111. Abstract. Full text of comment: "Lesser" ALL: treat less or study less? by James Feusner

Activity of vincristine, L-ASP, and dexamethasone against acute lymphoblastic leukemia is enhanced by the BH3-mimetic ABT-737 in vitro and in vivo. Kang MH, Kang YH, Szymanska B, Wilczynska-Kalak U, Sheard MA, Harned T, Lock RB, Reynolds CP. Blood. 2007. PubMed Abstract.

Overt testicular disease (OTD) at diagnosis is not associated with a poor prognosis in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Results of the EORTC CLG study 58881. Nicolas Sirvent et al., Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Volume 49, Issue 3 , Pages 344 - 348, 2005. Abstract.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) versus intensive chemotherapy in infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Z. E. Dreyer, P. Dinndorf, H. Sather, J. M. Hilden, M. Devidas, N. A. Heerema, F. O. Smith, W. Carroll, G. Reaman, and B. M. Camitta ASCO Meeting Abstracts. 2007; 25(18_suppl): p. 9514. Abstract.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): 25-year experience at the University of Minnesota. M. B. Tomblyn, T. E. DeFor, M. MacMillan, P. D. Higgins, K. E. Dusenbery, and D. J. Weisdorf. ASCO Meeting Abstracts. 2007; 25(18_suppl): p. 7001. Abstract.

Augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster (ABFM) regimen for children with standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (SR-ALL) and slow early response (SER). Y. H. Matloub, A. Angiolillo, B. Bostrom, L. Stork, S. P. Hunger, J. Nachman, H. Sather, M. La, W. L. Carroll, and P. S. Gaynon. ASCO Meeting Abstracts. 2007; 25(18_suppl): p. 9511. Abstract.

Outcomes of transplantation of unrelated donor umbilical cord blood and bone marrow in children with acute leukaemia: a comparison study. Eapen M, Rubinstein P, Zhang MJ, Stevens C, Kurtzberg J, Scaradavou A, Loberiza FR, Champlin RE, Klein JP, Horowitz MM, Wagner JE. Lancet 2007 Jun 9;369(9577):1947-54. PubMed Abstract.

Five-Year Leukemia-Free Survival Possible After Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation in Children With Acute Leukemia. Lay article on MedScape.

Unrelated Cord Blood Transplants an Option for Children With Leukemia. Lay article on MedScape discusses the June 2007 article by Dr. John E. Wagner of the Blood Bone Marrow Transplant Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Exposure to Magnetic Fields and Survival after Diagnosis of Childhood Leukemia: A German Cohort Study. Svendsen, A.L. et al., Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 16, 1167-1171, June 1, 2007. Abstract.

Exposure to Magnetic Fields and Survival after Diagnosis of Childhood Leukemia: A German Cohort Study. Anne Louise Svendsen et al. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 16, 1167-1171, June 1, 2007. Abstract.

Children's behaviour following diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a qualitative longitudinal study. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2007 Apr;12(2):281-93. PubMed Abstract.

Genomewide identification of prednisolone-responsive genes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Tissing, W.J.E., et al. Blood. 2007 May 1;109(9):3929-35. PubMed Abstract.

Building a new normality: mothers experiences of caring for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Earle, E. A., et al. Child Care Health Dev. 2007 Mar;33(2):155-60. PubMed Abstract.

Prevention of high-dose-methotrexate neurotoxicity by adequate folinic acid rescue is possible even after central nervous system irradiation. Ian J. Cohen, et al. Med Hypotheses. 2007;68(5):1147-53. PubMed Abstract.

Age-related differences in leukemia biology and prognosis: the paradigm of MLL-AF4-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. C-H Pui and D Campana. Leukemia, April 2007 Volume 21 Number 4. PubMed abstract.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia with t(4;11) in children 1 year and older: The 'big sister' of the infant disease? G Mann et al. April 2007 Volume 21 Number 4. PubMed abstract.

Optimization of PCR-based minimal residual disease diagnostics for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a multi-center setting. V H J van der Velden et al. April 2007 Volume 21 Number 4. PubMed abstract.

Quantitative assessment of WT1 expression in diagnosis of childhood acute leukemia. A. Spanaki, et al. Leuk Res. 2007 Apr;31(4):570-2. PubMed abstract.

New approaches to invasive fungal infections in acute leukemia and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Wingard JR. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol. 2007;20(1):99-107. PubMed abstract.

Mesenchymal cells regulate the response of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells to asparaginase. J Clin Invest. 2007 Mar 22. Iwamoto S, Mihara K, Downing JR, Pui CH, Campana D. PubMed abstract.

Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation in First Remission for Children with Ultra-high-risk Features of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Children's Oncology Group Study Report. Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2007 Feb;13(2):218-27. Prakash Satwani, et al. PubMed Abstract.

Brief Report: Effect of Intravenous Methotrexate Dose and Infusion Rate on Neuropsychological Function One Year after Diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Marissa E. Carey, Marilyn J. Hockenberry, Ida M. Moore, John J. Hutter, Kevin R. Krull, Alice Pasvogel, and Kris L. Kaemingk. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 2007; 32(2): p. 189-193. Abstract.

Adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: emerging from the shadow
of paediatric and adult treatment protocols. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2006 Nov;47(6):748-56. Ramanujachar R et al. PubMed abstract.

Consolidation treatment for ALL-which is best? Lancet Oncol. 2007 Feb;8(2):104 Paolino A. (Treatment of very high risk leukemia with or without BMT.)

Why and how to quantify minimal residual disease in acute lymphoblastic leukemia? Leukemia. 2007 Apr;21(4):622-6; Szczepanski T. Abstract.

Favorable outcome for adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated on dana-farber cancer institute acute lymphoblastic leukemia consortium protocols. J Clin Oncol 1 Mar 2007 25(7): p. 813. E Barry, DJ Deangelo, D Neuberg, K Stevenson, ML Loh, BL Asselin, RD Barr, LA Clavell, CA Hurwitz, A Moghrabi, Y Samson, M Schorin, HJ Cohen, SE Sallan, and LB Silverman. Abstract.

Characteristics of patients with TEL-AML1-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia with single or multiple fusions. Suleimman A. Al-Sweedan et al. Pediatric Blood and Cancer, Volume 48, Issue 5 , Pages 510 - 514. Abstract. Some good information on the prognosis of tel-aml ALL.

Protection against chemotherapy induced mucositis by TGF-beta 2 in childhood cancer patients: Results from a randomized cross-over study. Barbara A.E. de Koning et al. Pediatric Blood & Cancer Volume 48, Issue 5, 2007. Pages: 532-539. Abstract. (The drug was well-tolerated but did not show a clear effect against mucositis.)

The clinical value of follow-up examinations in childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Pediatric Blood & Cancer Volume 48, Issue 4, 2007, p. 468-472. Abstract.

Genome complexity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia is revealed by array-based comparative genomic hybridization. JC Strefford, et al. Oncogene. 2007 Jan 22. PubMed abstract.

New therapeutic strategies for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Pui CH, Jeha S. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2007 Feb;6(2):149-65. PubMed abstract.

Risk- and response-based classification of childhood B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a combined analysis of prognostic markers from the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) and Children's Cancer Group (CCG). Kirk R. Schultz, et al. Blood. 2007 Feb 1;109(3):926-35. PubMed abstract.

Results of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 95-01 for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Albert Moghrabi, et al. Blood. 2007 Feb 1;109(3):896-904. PubMed abstract. "We conclude that (1) dexrazoxane does not interfere with the antileukemic effect of doxorubicin, (2) intensive intrathecal chemotherapy is as effective as cranial radiation in preventing CNS relapse in standard-risk patients, and (3) once-weekly Erwinia is less toxic than E coli asparaginase, but also less efficacious."

Age and high-dose methotrexate are associated to clinical acute encephalopathy in FRALLE 93 trial for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. M N Dufourg et al. Leukemia (2007) 21, 238–247. Abstract. "The objective of the study was to assess acute neurotoxicity associated with triple intrathecal therapy (TIT) high-dose methotrexate (HD MTX) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)."

2006

Prognostic Significance of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) in Childhood B-Precursor ALL and Its Relation to Other Risk Factors. A Childrens Oncology Group (COG) Study. Abstract. A good comparison of risk factors, EFS, and MRD data in a comparison of the results of 9904, 9905, 9906.

Prospective Analysis of TEL and MLL Gene Rearrangements in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Children's Oncology Group Study. Jeffrey Rubnitz, David Wichlan, Meenakshi Devidas, Jonathan Shuster, Joanne Kurtzberg, Beverly Bell, Stephen Hunger, Allen Chauvenet, Ching-Hon Pui, Bruce Camitta, and Jeanette Pullen. Blood (ASH Annual Meeting Abstracts). 2006; 108(11): p. 218. Abstract.

Central nervous system disease in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: prophylaxis and treatment. CH Pui. Hematology, Jan 2006; 2006: 14-146. Full text. (An excellent review article.)

Adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: Outcome on UK national paediatric (ALL97) and adult (UKALLXII/E2993) trials. Ramya Ramanujachar, Sue Richards, Ian Hann, Anthony Goldstone, Christopher Mitchell, Ajay Vora, Jacob Rowe, David Webb. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Volume 48, Issue 3 , Pages 254 - 261, Published Online: 18 Jan 2006. Abstract.

The cryptic chromosomal deletion del(11)(p12p13) as a new activation mechanism of LMO2 in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pieter Van Vlierberghe, Martine van Grotel, H. Berna Beverloo, Charles Lee, Tryggvi Helgason, Jessica Buijs-Gladdines, Monique Passier, Elisabeth R. van Wering, Anjo J. P. Veerman, Willem A. Kamps, Jules P. P. Meijerink, and Rob Pieters. Blood, 15 November 2006, Vol. 108, No. 10, pp. 3520-3529. Abstract.

Resistance of infant leukemia with MLL rearrangement to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand: a possible mechanism for poor sensitivity to antitumor immunity. T Inukai, X Zhang, M Goto, K Hirose, K Uno, K Akahane, A Nemoto, K Goi, H Sato, K Takahashi, H Honna, K Kagami, K Nakamoto, H Yagita, K Okumura, T Koyama-Okazaki, S Nakazawa and K Sugita. Leukemia (2006) 20, 2119–2129. Abstract.

High leucovorin doses during high-dose methotrexate treatment may reduce the cure rate in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. T V Ch Skarby, H Anderson, J Heldrup, J A Kanerva, H Seidel and K Schmiegelow. Leukemia (2006) 20, 1955–1962. Abstract.

Thioguanine Too Toxic for Maintenance Treatment of Childhood Leukemia: Toxicity and efficacy of 6-thioguanine versus 6-mercaptopurine in childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia: a randomised trial. Lancet. 2006 Oct 14;368(9544):1339-48. Vora A, Mitchell CD, Lennard L, Eden TO, Kinsey SE, Lilleyman J, Richards SM. PubMed abstract. And: Thioguanine versus mercaptopurine in childhood ALL. Stanulla M, Schunemann HJ. Lancet. 2006 Oct 14;368(9544):1304-6. PubMed abstract. Lay article.

Defining new prognostic markers in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Examining MRD within the first few weeks will identify a particularly good risk group of patients who are likely to be cured with less aggressive therapy. Lay article online November 2006, Hem/Onc website, Elizabeth Raetz and William Carroll.

Altered glucose metabolism in childhood pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. J M Boag, A H Beesley, M J Firth, J R Freitas, J Ford, K Hoffmann, A J Cummings, N H de Klerk and U R Kees. Leukemia (2006) 20, 1731–1737. Abstract. Interesting because altered glucose metabolism might provide a means for targeted therapy.

Risk and response-based classification of childhood B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a combined analysis of prognostic markers from the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) and Children's Cancer Group (CCG). Kirk R. Shultz et al. Blood. published 26 September 2006. Abstract. (Good review of how COG came to 4 risk groups, EFS stats.)

Analysis of Genetic Alterations and Clonal Proliferation in Children Treated for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Heather E. Kendall, Pamela M. Vacek, Jami L. Rivers, Sederick C. Rice, Terri L. Messier and Barry A. Finette. "These data indicate that unique genetic alterations and extensive clonal proliferation are occurring in children following treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia that may influence long-term risks for multifactorial diseases, including secondary cancers." Cancer Res 2006; 66(17): 8455-61. Abstract.

Comparison of Long-Term Neurocognitive Outcomes in Young Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated With Cranial Radiation or High-Dose or Very High-Dose Intravenous Methotrexate. Brenda J. Spiegler, Kimberly Kennedy, Ronnen Maze, Mark L. Greenberg, Sheila Weitzman, Johann K. Hitzler, Paul C. Nathan. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 24, No 24 (August 20), 2006: pp. 3858-3864. Abstract.

History of the treatment of childhood ALL: a paradigm for cancer cure. Simone JV. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol. 2006;19(2):353-9. PubMed Asbstract. Excerpt from Abstract: "The history of the treatment of childhood leukemia from 1950 to the present is reviewed here. Particular emphasis is placed on the 'Total Therapy' studies conducted at St Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee."

Expression of Late Cell Cycle Genes and an Increased Proliferative Capacity Characterize Very Early Relapse of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Renate Kirschner-Schwabe, Claudio Lottaz, Jörn Tödling, Peter Rhein, Leonid Karawajew, Cornelia Eckert, Arend von Stackelberg, Ute Ungethüm, Dennis Kostka, Andreas E. Kulozik, Wolf-Dieter Ludwig, Günter Henze, Rainer Spang, Christian Hagemeier and Karl Seeger. Clinical Cancer Research Vol. 12, 4553-4561, August 1, 2006. Abstract.

The Incidence Peaks of the Childhood Acute Leukemias Reflect Specific Cytogenetic Aberrations. Forestier, Erik MD; Schmiegelow, Kjeld MD. J Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. Volume 28(8), August 2006, pp 486-495. Abstract.

Intrathecal triple therapy decreases central nervous system relapse but fails to improve event-free survival when compared with intrathecal methotrexate: results of the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) 1952 study for standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia, reported by the Children's Oncology Group. Yousif Matloub, Susan Lindemulder, Paul S. Gaynon, et al. Blood, 15 August 2006, Vol. 108, No. 4, pp. 1165-1173. Abstract.

Genes contributing to minimal residual disease in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: prognostic significance of CASP8AP2. Christian Flotho, Elaine Coustan-Smith, Deqing Pei, Shotaro Iwamoto, Guangchun Song, Cheng Cheng, Ching-Hon Pui, James R. Downing, and Dario Campana. Blood, 1 August 2006, Vol. 108, No. 3, pp. 1050-1057. Abstract.

Pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with aberrations of both MLL loci. Cancer Genet Cytogenet. 2006 Jul 1;168(1):77-9. Quigley DI, Wolff DJ. PubMed Abstract. "Except in cases of T-cell ALL, MLL rearrangement is typically associated with a poor prognosis. We report a case of T-cell ALL with a t(11;19)(q23;p13.3) and deletion of the other chromosome 11 homolog at band q23. ...This case is unique in that deletions of 11q23 reported in ALL generally do not involve MLL."

Impact of two independent bone marrow samples on minimal residual disease monitoring in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Vincent H. J. van der Velden, Patricia G. Hoogeveen, Rob Pieters and Jacques J. M. van Dongen. Br J Haematol. 2006 May;133(4):382-8. Abstract. "It is unclear whether MRD is homogeneously distributed within the bone marrow (BM) and whether this affects MRD diagnostics...MRD levels were comparable in 112 paired samples (79%), whereas two samples (both taken at day 15) had MRD levels that differed more than threefold."

Analysis of prognostic factors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in infants: report on CCG 1953 from the Children's Oncology Group. Joanne M. Hilden, Patricia A. Dinndorf et al. Blood. 2006; 108(2): p. 441-451. Abstract. "Five-year EFS for MLL-rearranged cases was 33.6% and for MLL-nonrearranged cases was 60.3%. The difference in EFS between the 3 major MLL rearrangements did not reach statistical significance."

Infants with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and a germline MLL gene are highly curable with use of chemotherapy alone: results from the Japan Infant Leukemia Study Group. Jun Nagayama, Daisuke Tomizawa, et al. Blood, 15 June 2006, Vol. 107, No. 12, pp. 4663-4665. Abstract.

Pharmacogenomics of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Current Opinion in Hematology. 13(4):260-265, July 2006. Kager, Leo; Evans, William E. Abstract.

A simplified flow cytometric assay identifies children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who have a superior clinical outcome. Elaine Coustan-Smith, Raul C. Ribeiro, Patricia Stow, Yinmei Zhou, Ching-Hon Pui, Gaston K. Rivera, Francisco Pedrosa, and Dario Campana. Blood, 1 July 2006, Vol. 108, No. 1, pp. 97-102. Abstract.

Dasatinib in Imatinib-Resistant Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Leukemias. Moshe Talpaz, M.D., Neil P. Shah, M.D., Ph.D., Hagop Kantarjian, M.D., Nicholas Donato, Ph.D., John Nicoll, B.A., Ron Paquette, M.D., Jorge Cortes, M.D., Susan O'Brien, M.D., Claude Nicaise, M.D., Eric Bleickardt, M.D., M. Anne Blackwood-Chirchir, M.D., Vishwanath Iyer, M.S., Tai-Tsang Chen, M.Phil., Fei Huang, Ph.D., Arthur P. Decillis, M.D., and Charles L. Sawyers, M.D. Volume 354:2531-2541 June 15, 2006 Number 24. Abstract.

Nilotinib in Imatinib-Resistant CML and Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive ALL. Hagop Kantarjian, M.D., Francis Giles, M.D., Lydia Wunderle, M.D., Kapil Bhalla, M.D., Susan O'Brien, M.D., Barbara Wassmann, M.D., Chiaki Tanaka, M.D., Paul Manley, Ph.D., Patricia Rae, B.Sc., William Mietlowski, Ph.D., Kathy Bochinski, M.B.A., Andreas Hochhaus, M.D., James D. Griffin, M.D., Dieter Hoelzer, M.D., Maher Albitar, M.D., Ph.D., Margaret Dugan, M.D., Jorge Cortes, M.D., Leila Alland, M.D., and Oliver G. Ottmann, M.D. NEJM Volume 354:2542-2551 June 15, 2006 Number 24. Abstract.

ASCO 2006 meeting abstracts, pediatric leukemias. Notable:

Stem cell/BMTs: ASBMT Evidence-Based Reviews for Pediatric and Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Theresa Hahn, Roy Jones, Donna Wall. In Blood and Marrow Transplantation Reviews, Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2006.

Autologous stem cell transplant in ALL: who should we be transplanting in first remission? A R Mato and S M Luge. Review. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2006) 37, 989–995. Abstract.

The eighth international childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia workshop ('Ponte di Legno meeting') report: Vienna, Austria, April 27–28, 2005. Leukemia (2006) 20, 9–17. Many abstracts. Notable:

Resistance to glucocorticoids in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: impact of relationship between ex vivo sensitivity and in vivo concentration on risk factor analysis. Styczynski J, Koltan A, Wysocki M. Neoplasma. 2006;53(2):168-73. PubMed abstract.

Gene Expression Profiling: Biological pathways associated with relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A children's oncology group study. Blood. 2006 Mar 28. Bhojwani D et al. PubMed abstract.

TPMT: Thiopurine S-methyltransferase pharmacogenetics: insights, challenges and future directions. L Wang and R Weinshilboum. Oncogene (2006) 25, 1629–1638. Abstract.

Pharmacogenomics or Acute Leukemia. Meyling H Cheok, Sanne Lugthart, and William E. Evans. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vol. 46: 317-353 (Volume publication date February 2006). Abstract.

MRD measurement: A simplified flow cytometric assay identifies children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who have a superior clinical outcome. Elaine Coustan-Smith, Raul C Ribeiro, Patricia Stow, Yinmei Zhou, Ching-Hon Pui, Gaston K Rivera, Francisco Pedrosa, and Dario Campana. Blood First Edition Paper, prepublished online March 14, 2006. Abstract.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a model for the pharmacogenomics of cancer therapy. Cheok MH, Evans WE. Nat Rev Cancer. 2006 Feb;6(2):117-29. PubMed Abstract.

The clinical value of follow-up examinations in childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Huang L, Lequin M, Pieters R, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2006 Mar. Abstract.

Incidence of additional genetic changes in the TEL and AML1 genes in DCOG and COALL-treated t(12;21)-positive pediatric ALL, and their relation with drug sensitivity and clinical outcome. Stams WA, Beverloo HB, den Boer ML, de Menezes RX, Stigter RL, van Drunen E, Ramakers-van-Woerden NL, Loonen AH, van Wering ER, Janka-Schaub GE, Pieters R. Leukemia. 2006 Mar;20(3):410-6. PubMed Abstract.

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the age of genomics. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Volume 46, Issue 5 , Pages 570 - 578. William L. Carroll, Deepa Bhojwani, Dong-Joon Min, PhD 1, Naomi Moskowitz, Elizabeth A. Raetz. A review article.

Adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: Emerging from the shadow of paediatric and adult treatment protocols. Ramanujachar R, Richards S, Hann I, Webb D. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2006 Feb 8; [Epub ahead of print] PubMed abstract.

High-dose methotrexate and/or leucovorin rescue for the treatment of children with lymphoblastic malignancies: do we really know why, when and how? Sterba J, Valik D, Bajciova V, Kadlecova V, Gregorova V, Mendelova D. Neoplasma. 2005;52(6):456-63. PubMed abstract. Full text.

Prospective analysis of TEL/AML1 positive patients treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Consortium Protocol 95-01. Mignon L Loh, Meredith A Goldwasser, Lewis B Silverman, Wing-Man Poon, Shashaank Vattikuti, Angelo Cardoso, Donna S Neuberg, Kevin M Shannon, Stephen E Sallan, and D G Gilliland. Blood First Edition Paper, prepublished online February 21, 2006. Abstract.

Alternative medicine remedies might stimulate viability of leukemic cells. Styczynski J, Wysocki M. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2006 Jan;46(1):8-10. PubMed abstract.

Infants with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and a germline MLL gene are highly curable with use of chemotherapy alone: results from the Japan Infant Leukemia Study Group. Jun Nagayama, Daisuke Tomizawa, Katsuyoshi Koh, Yoshihisa Nagatoshi, Noriko Hotta, Tomoko Kishimoto, Yoshihiro Takahashi, Tomoko Kuno, Kanji Sugita, Takashi Sato, Kohji Kato, Atsushi Ogawa, Tatsutoshi Nakahata, Shuki Mizutani, Keizo Horibe, and Eiichi Ishii. Blood First Edition Paper, prepublished online February 14, 2006. Abstract.

Chronic liver disease related to 6-thioguanine in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Ruth De Bruynea, Bernard Portmannb, Marianne Samyna, Sanjay Bansala, Alex Kniselyb, Giorgina Mieli-Vergania and Anil Dhawan. Journal of Hepatology Volume 44, Issue 2 , February 2006, Pages 407-410. Article.

Comparable long-term survival after unrelated and HLA-matched sibling donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantations for acute leukemia in children younger than 18 months. Eapen M, Rubinstein P, Zhang MJ, Camitta BM, Stevens C, Cairo MS, Davies SM, Doyle JJ, Kurtzberg J, Pulsipher MA, Ortega JJ, Scaradavou A, Horowitz MM, Wagner JE. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Jan 1;24(1):145-51. "Typically unrelated donor HCT are reserved for infants who relapse," Dr. Eapen said. "We recommend unrelated donor HCT in first complete remission, because we have shown that results are similar to that after HLA-matched sibling donor HCT in first complete remission." PubMed abstract.

The expression of 70 apoptosis genes in relation to lineage, genetic subtype, cellular drug resistance, and outcome in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Holleman A, den Boer ML, de Menezes RX, Cheok MH, Cheng C, Kazemier KM, Janka-Schaub GE, Gobel U, Graubner UB, Evans WE, Pieters R. Blood. 2006 Jan 15;107(2):769-76. Epub 2005 Sep 27. Abstract. Online lay version.

The expression of 70 apoptosis genes in relation to lineage, genetic subtype, cellular drug resistance, and outcome in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Holleman A, den Boer M, Menezes R, et al. Blood. 2006; 107; 769-776. Abstract.

Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. NEJM Volume 354:166-178 January 12, 2006 Number 2, Ching-Hon Pui, M.D., and William E. Evans, Pharm.D. No abstract (a review article).

Comparable results in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after related and unrelated stem cell transplantation. J Dahlke et al. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2006) 37, 155-163. Abstract.

Thiopurine methyltransferase in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Relling et al. Blood. 2006; 107: 843-844. Abstract.

Pharmacogenomics of Acute Leukemia. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology Vol. 46: 317-353, 2006, Meyling H Cheok, Sanne Lugthart, and William E. Evans. Abstract.

2005

Towards targeted therapy for infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Ronald W. Stam, Monique L. den Boer and Rob Pieters. British Journal of Haematology, Volume 0 Issue 0. Abstract.

Immunogenotype Changes Prevail in Relapses of Young Children with TEL-AML1-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Derive Mainly from Clonal Selection. E. Renate Panzer-Grümayer, Giovanni Cazzaniga, Vincent H.J. van der Velden, Laura del Giudice, Martina Peham, Georg Mann, Conny Eckert, Andre Schrauder, Giuseppe Germano, Jochen Harbott, Giuseppe Basso, Andrea Biondi, Jacques J.M. van Dongen, Helmut Gadner and Oskar A. Haas. Clinical Cancer Research Vol. 11, 7720-7727, November 1, 2005. Abstract.

Comparable Long-Term Survival After Unrelated and HLA-Matched Sibling Donor Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantations for Acute Leukemia in Children Younger Than 18 Months. Mary Eapen, Pablo Rubinstein, Mei-Jie Zhang, Bruce M. Camitta, Cladd Stevens, Mitchell S. Cairo, Stella M. Davies, John J. Doyle, Joanne Kurtzberg, Michael A. Pulsipher, Juan J. Ortega, Andromachi Scaradavou, Mary M. Horowitz, John E. Wagner. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 24, No 1 (January 1), 2006: pp. 145-151, 2006. Abstract.

Are experimental treatments for cancer in children superior to established treatments? Observational study of randomised controlled trials by the Children's Oncology Group. Ambuj Kumar, Heloisa Soares, Robert Wells, Mike Clarke, Iztok Hozo, Archie Bleyer, Gregory Reaman, Iain Chalmers, Benjamin Djulbegovic. BMJ  2005;331:1295 (3 December). Abstract.

The Role of Cytotoxic Therapy with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in the Therapy of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children: An Evidence-Based Review. Theresa Hahn, Donna Wall, Bruce Camitta, Stella Davies, Hildy Dillon,5 Paul Gaynon, Richard A. Larson, Susan Parsons, Jerome Seidenfeld, Daniel Weisdorf, Philip L. McCarthy, Jr. Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation 11:823-861 (2005). When BMT is useful in the treatment of ALL/relapsed ALL.

Long-Term Outcome in Children With Relapsed ALL by Risk-Stratified Salvage Therapy: Results of Trial Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Relapse Study of the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster Group 87. Hagen Graf Einsiedel, Arend von Stackelberg, Reinhard Hartmann, Rüdiger Fengler, Martin Schrappe, Gritta Janka-Schaub, Georg Mann, Karel Hählen, Ulrich Göbel, Thomas Klingebiel, Wolf-Dieter Ludwig, Günter Henze. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 23, No 31 (November 1), 2005: pp. 7942-7950. Abstract.

Review article: Advances in the pathological diagnosis and biology of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Xin Han MD and Carlos E. Bueso-Ramo Annals of Diagnostic Pathology. Volume 9, Issue 4 , August 2005, Pages 239-257. Pub med abstract.

Therapy of low-risk subsets of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: When do we say enough? Stephen P. Hunger, Naomi J. Winick, Harland N. Sather, William L. Carroll: Pediatric Blood & Cancer VL: 45 NO: 7 PG: 876-880 2005. This is a good review of the different strategies for ALL treatment. Abstract.

The Seventh International Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Workshop Report: Palermo, Italy, January 29-30, 2005. M Aricó, A Baruchel, Y Bertrand, A Biondi, V Conter, T Eden, H Gadner, P Gaynon, K Horibe, S P Hunger, G Janka-Schaub, G Masera, J Nachman, R Pieters, M Schrappe, K Schmiegelow, M G Valsecchi and C-H Pui. Leukemia (2005) 19, 1145-1152. Abstract.

Targeting FLT3 in primary MLL-gene–rearranged infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Ronald W. Stam et. al. Blood, 1 October 2005, Vol. 106, No. 7, pp. 2484-2490. Abstract.

Treatment reduction in highly selected standard-risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The AIEOP ALL-9501 study. M Arico, V Conter, MG Valsecchi, C Rizzari, MF Boccalatte, E Barisone, C Messina, G De Rossi, L Lo Nigro, A Pession, F Locatelli, C Micalizzi, and G Basso Haematologica, September 1, 2005; 90(9): 1186-91. Abstract.

No Advantage of Dexamethasone Over Prednisolone for the Outcome of Standard- and Intermediate-Risk Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in the Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group L95-14 Protocol. Shunji Igarashi, Atsushi Manabe, Akira Ohara, Masaaki Kumagai, Tomohiro Saito, Yuri Okimoto, Takehiko Kamijo, Keiichi Isoyama, Michiko Kajiwara, Manabu Sotomatsu, Ken-ichi Sugita, Kanji Sugita, Miho Maeda, Hiromasa Yabe, Akitoshi Kinoshita, Takashi Kaneko, Yasuhide Hayashi, Kouichiro Ikuta, Ryohji Hanada, Masahiro Tsuchida. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 23, No 27 (September 20), 2005: pp. 6489-6498. Abstract.

Clinical characteristics, biologic features and outcome for young adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Nachman J. Br J Haematol. 2005 Jul;130(2):166-73. PubMed Abstract.

Molecular Genetics of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Scott A. Armstrong and A. Thomas Look, J Clinical Oncology, Vol. 23, No. 26, Sept 10, 2005, 6306-6315. (I have a copy of this article.)

Results of a phase 1-2 study of clofarabine in combination with cytarabine (ara-C) in relapsed and refractory acute leukemias. Stefan Faderl, Varsha Gandhi, Susan O'Brien, Peter Bonate, Jorge Cortes, Elihu Estey, Miloslav Beran, William Wierda, Guillermo Garcia-Manero, Alessandra Ferrajoli, Zeev Estrov, Francis J. Giles, Min Du, Monica Kwari, Michael Keating, William Plunkett, and Hagop Kantarjian. Blood, 1 February 2005, Vol. 105, No. 3, pp. 940-947. Abstract.

Treatment reduction in highly selected standard-risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The AIEOP ALL-9501 study. Arico M, Conter V, Valsecchi MG, Rizzari C, Pinta Boccalatte MF, Barisone E, Messina C, De Rossi G, Lo Nigro L, Pession A, Locatelli F, Micalizzi C, Basso G. Haematologica. 2005 Sep;90(9):1186-91. Italian study results. PubMed abstract.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of children with down syndrome and acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a children's cancer group study. James A Whitlock, Harland N Sather, Paul Gaynon, Leslie L Robison, Robert J Wells, Michael Trigg, Nyla A Heerema, and Smita Bhatia. lood First Edition Paper, prepublished online August 18, 2005; DOI 10.1182/blood-2003-10-3446. Abstract. (In Utero Origin of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Risk Factors of Leukemogenesis - exposure to perinatal pesticides and low folate intake.)

Chemotherapy versus allogeneic transplantation for very-high-risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in first complete remission: comparison by genetic randomisation in an international prospective study. Balduzzi A et. al., Lancet. 2005 Aug 20-26;366(9486):635-42. Abstract.

2004

Effects of Physical Therapy Intervention for Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Victoria G. Marchese, PhD, PT, Lisa A. Chiarello, PhD, PT, PCS, and Beverly J. Lange, MD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2004;42:127–133. PubMed Abstract.

FDA Approves Clofarabine for Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. MedLine version. Dec. 29, 2004.

Antioxidant Levels Tied to Treatment Toxicities in ALL. CancerPage version. Antioxidant status decreases in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during the first six months of chemotherapy treatment. Kennedy DD, Ladas EJ, Rheingold SR, Blumberg J, Kelly KM. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2004 Dec 27. PubMed abstract.

On Cure4Kids site (www.cure4kids.org, need to register) 12/2004

Researchers Add More Pieces to the Puzzle of Finding Cure for Common Childhood Cancer - Several studies presented during the 46th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) explore these various questions and continue to move science closer to finding a cure for this devastating childhood disease. "ALL is the most common childhood cancer, representing 23 percent of cancer diagnoses among children"; said Richard Larson, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Director of the Hematologic Malignancies Clinical Research Program University of Chicago. "Clinical trials exploring ways to better treat these children are of the utmost importance. Each study brings us one step closer to finding a cure for this devastating childhood illness." Several studies are covered in this online article.

Improved outcome for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results of Total Therapy Study XIIIB at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Pui CH, Sandlund JT, Pei D, Campana D, Rivera GK, Ribeiro RC, Rubnitz JE, Razzouk BI, Howard SC, Hudson MM, Cheng C, Kun LE, Raimondi SC, Behm FG, Downing JR, Relling MV, Evans WE; Total Therapy Study XIIIB at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Blood. 2004 Nov 1;104(9):2690-6. Epub 2004 Jul 13. PubMed abstract. CancerPage version: "Intensified Chemotherapy Reduces Need For Cranial Irradiation In ALL."

The HMG-I oncogene causes highly penetrant, aggressive lymphoid malignancy in transgenic mice and is overexpressed in human leukemia. Xu Y, Sumter TF, Bhattacharya R, Tesfaye A, Fuchs EJ, Wood LJ, Huso DL, Resar LM. Cancer Res. 2004 May 15;64(10):3371-5. "Using genetically engineered mice, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center have identified a gene that functions as a cancer-causing gene (or oncogene) and may play a key role in the development of leukemia and other cancers in children and adults." PubMed Abstract.

Higher mortality after allogeneic peripheral-blood transplantation compared with bone marrow in children and adolescents: the Histocompatibility and Alternate Stem Cell Source Working Committee of the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry. Eapen M, Horowitz MM, Klein JP, Champlin RE, Loberiza FR Jr, Ringden O, Wagner JE. J Clin Oncol. 2004 Dec 15;22(24):4872-80. Epub 2004 Nov 01. PubMed abstract. CancerPage version: "Stem Cell Transplant Outcomes Worse In Pediatric Leukemia Patients".

Study Finds Rationale for Inclusion of P13K/AKT Inhibitors in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Therapy. Including P13K/AKT inhibitors in the treatment of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) might enhance the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy and improve its effectiveness, abrogating the possible effect of high glucose, researchers stated. "The researchers hypothesized that high serine/threonine AKT (a major downstream effector of P13K) activity in leukemia blasts in the presence of hyperglycemia aids the survival and chemoresistance of leukemia cells by stimulation of glycolysis."

Lack of benefit of early detection of relapse after completion of therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Jeffrey E. Rubnitz, MD, PhD , Nobuko Hijiya, MD, Yinmei Zhou, MS, Michaell L. Hancock, MS, Gaston K. Rivera, MD, Ching-Hon Pui, MD. Pediatric Blood and Cancer, early view, 10/2004.

Gene mutation discovery may lead to new treatment for leukemia: Clinical trial planned to test drug which offers promise as Gleevec-like cancer therapy. (T-cell ALL/NOTCH1 gene) Press release from Dana-Farber, 10/7/04. Jon C. Aster et al. - look for in Oct. 8, 2004 Science.

Gene-Expression Patterns in Drug-Resistant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells and Response to Treatment, Amy Holleman, B.Sc., Meyling H. Cheok, Ph.D., Monique L. den Boer, Ph.D., Wenjian Yang, Ph.D., Anjo J.P. Veerman, M.D., Ph.D., Karin M. Kazemier, Deqing Pei, M.Sc., Cheng Cheng, Ph.D., Ching-Hon Pui, M.D., Mary V. Relling, Pharm.D., Gritta E. Janka-Schaub, M.D., Ph.D., Rob Pieters, M.D., Ph.D., and William E. Evans, Pharm.D. NEJM Volume 351:533-542 August 5, 2004 Number 6 Abstract

Editorial on the above article: Childhood Leukemia — New Advances and Challenges Naomi J. Winick, M.D., William L. Carroll, M.D., and Stephen P. Hunger, M.D. NEJM Volume 351:601-603 August 5, 2004 Number 6 Abstract

Loss of Smad-beta in Acute T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia Lawrence A. Wolfraim, Ph.D., Tania M. Fernandez, Ph.D., Mizuko Mamura, M.D., Ph.D., Walter L. Fuller, B.S., Rajesh Kumar, Ph.D., Diane E. Cole, B.S., Stacey Byfield, Ph.D., Angelina Felici, Ph.D., Kathleen C. Flanders, Ph.D., Thomas M. Walz, M.D., Anita B. Roberts, Ph.D., Peter D. Aplan, M.D., Frank M. Balis, M.D., and John J. Letterio, M.D. NEJM Volume 351:552-559 August 5, 2004 Number 6 Abstract

Perspective on the above article: TGF- Signaling, Tumor Suppression, and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia James R. Downing, M.D. Volume 351:528-530 August 5, 2004 Number 6 Abstract

Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity in Children. Leontine C.M. Kremer, M.D., Ph.D., and Huib N. Caron, M.D., Ph.D. N Engl J Med 351;2 July 8, 2004.

The Effect of Dexrazoxane on Myocardial Injury in Doxorubicin-Treated Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Steven E. Lipshultz, M.D., Nader Rifai, Ph.D., Virginia M. Dalton, M.S., P.N.P., Donna E. Levy, M.S., Lewis B. Silverman, M.D., Stuart R. Lipsitz, Sc.D., Steven D. Colan, M.D., Barbara L. Asselin, M.D., Ronald D. Barr, M.D., Luis A. Clavell, M.D., Craig A. Hurwitz, M.D., Albert Moghrabi, M.D., Yvan Samson, M.D., Marshall A. Schorin, M.D., Richard D. Gelber, Ph.D., and Stephen E. Sallan, M.D. N Engl J Med 351;2 July 8, 2004.

Low antioxidant vitamin intakes are associated with increases in adverse effects of chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Deborah D Kennedy, Katherine L Tucker, Elena D Ladas, Susan R Rheingold, Jeffrey Blumberg, and Kara M Kelly. Am J Clin Nutr 2004 79: 1029-1036. Abstract on the journal's web site.

Clofarabine shows antileukemic activity in pediatric setting. May 2004 Hem/Onc News, the article begins "Heavily pretreated children with relapsed or refractory leukemia responded favorably to treatment with the deoxyadenosine analog clofarabine (Clofarex, ILEX Oncology), according to phase-1 trial results." Also see: Clofarabine, a novel nucleoside analog, is active in pediatric patients with advanced leukemia. Jeha S, Gandhi V, Chan KW, McDonald L, Ramirez I, Madden R, Rytting M, Brandt M, Keating M, Plunkett W, Kantarjian H. Department of Hematology-Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N Lauderdale St, Memphis, TN 38105, USA. Blood. 2004 Feb 1;103(3):784-9. PubMed Abstract.

Defining the appropriate dosage of folinic acid after high-dose methotrexate for childhood acute lymphatic leukemia that will prevent neurotoxicity without rescuing malignant cells in the central nervous system. Cohen IJ. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2004 Mar;26(3):156-63. PubMed Abstract.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Ching-Hon Pui, M.D., Mary V. Relling, Pharm.D., and James R. Downing, M.D. N Engl J Med 350;15. April 8, 2004. A review article on the mechanisms of disease. (I have a full-text pdf of this article.)

CNS-Directed Therapy in Young Children With T-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: High-Dose Methotrexate Versus Cranial Irradiation. Paul C. Nathan, MD, Ronnen Maze, Bren da S piegler, PhD, Mark L. Greenberg, MB , ChB , Sh eila Weitzm an, MB , and Johann K. Hitzler, MD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2004;42:24 – 29. (I have a full-text pdf of this article.)

2003

Genetics and Anti-Leukemia Therapy: The TPMT Story. Article in the Fall 2003 CCCF (Candlelighters) quarterly journal (download the file on the Candlelighters site).

Intensification of Mercaptopurine/Methotrexate Maintenance Chemotherapy May Increase the Risk of Relapse for Some Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Kjeld Schmiegelow, Olle Björk, Anders Glomstein, Göran Gustafsson, Niels Keiding, Jon Kristinsson, Anne Mäkipernaa, Susanne Rosthøj, Carol Szumlanski, Tine M Sørensen, Richard Weinshilboum. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 21, Issue 7 (April), 2003: 1332-1339. Abstract. (Includes charts of risk of relapse by year out from treatment.)

DNA Arrays in Clinical Oncology: Promises and Challenges. François Bertucci, Patrice Viens, Rebecca Tagett, Catherine Nguyen, Rémi Houlgatte and Daniel Birnbaum. Laboratory Investigation 83:305-316 (2003). Abstract.

Gene Expression Profiling Predicts Outcomes in Pediatric ALL, Charlene Laino, Medscape Abstract, 12/03, ASH Conference coverage. (I have full text pdf of this article.) (More: Gene expression profiling, OPAL 1. HemOnc Today.)

Why do some childhood ALLs relapse? Blood, 1 May 2003, Vol. 101, No. 9, pp. 3343-3343, Stephen P. Hunger. Full text online.

CNS-directed therapy in young children with T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia: High-dose methotrexate versus cranial irradiation; Paul C. Nathan, MD, Ronnen Maze, Brenda Spiegler, PhD, Mark L. Greenberg, MB, ChB, Sheila Weitzman, MB, Johann K. Hitzler, MD. Pediatric Blood and Cancer, Vol. 42 Issue 1, Oct. 30, 2003. Online abstract (full text is also available).

Classification of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia by gene expression profiling. Ross ME, Zhou X, Song G, Shurtleff SA, Girtman K, Williams WK, Liu HC, Mahfouz R, Raimondi SC, Lenny N, Patel A, Downing JR. Blood. 2003 Oct 15;102(8):2951-9. Epub 2003 May 01. PubMed abstract. (I have a full-text pdf of this article.)

2002

Classification, subtype discovery, and prediction of outcome in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia by gene expression profiling. Yeoh EJ, Ross ME, Shurtleff SA, Williams WK, Patel D, Mahfouz R, Behm FG, Raimondi SC, Relling MV, Patel A, Cheng C, Campana D, Wilkins D, Zhou X, Li J, Liu H, Pui CH, Evans WE, Naeve C, Wong L, Downing JR. Cancer Cell 2002 Mar;1(2):133-43. PubMed abstract.

More on Gene Expression Profiling on the St. Judes site, under "research data" ALL1, 2, 3.

Gene Expression Profiling and the Treatment of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on Bloodline -- PubMed abstract of the article published March 2002 in Cancer Cell.

a tutorial on gene expression profiling

2001

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. Current Opinion in Oncology. 12(1):3-12, January 2000. Pui, Ching-Hon MD. Abstract.

Improved outcome for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results of Dana-Farber Consortium Protocol 91-01. Silverman LB, Gelber RD, Dalton VK, Asselin BL, Barr RD, Clavell LA, Hurwitz CA, Moghrabi A, Samson Y, Schorin MA, Arkin S, Declerck L, Cohen HJ, Sallan (Dana-Farber) 1: Blood 2001 Mar 1;97(5):1211-8. MedLine Abstract. Full Text article available when you go to the MedLine page (plus I have a copy of it).

2000

Review articles: The Dec 2000 issue of Leukemia has the longterm results from 12 study groups. Historically these are important because they form the basis of our current trials. There are several articles and a noteworthy editor's note.

Hypersensitivity or development of antibodies to asparaginase does not impact treatment outcome of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Woo MH, Hak LJ, Storm MC, Sandlund JT, Ribeiro RC, Rivera GK, Rubnitz JE, Harrison PL, Wang B, Evans WE, Pui, CH, Relling MV. J Clin Oncol 2000 Apr;18(7):1525-32. PubMed Abstract.

Recent advances in management of acute leukaemia. Chessells JM. Arch Dis Child 2000 Jun;82(6):438-42. PubMed abstract.

Bone marrow transplantation versus chemotherapy in the treatment of very high-risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first remission: results from medical research council UKALL X and XI. Wheeler KA, Richards SM, Bailey CC, Gibson B, Hann IM, Hill FG, Chessells JM. Blood 2000 Oct 1;96(7):2412-8. PubMed abstract.

Molecular diagnosis in pediatric acute leukemias. Bartolo C, Viswanatha DS. Clin Lab Med 2000 Mar;20(1):139-82, x. PubMed abstract. **

Treatment of children with early pre-B and pre-B acute lymphocytic leukemia with antimetabolite-based intensification regimens: a Pediatric Oncology Group Study. Harris MB, Shuster JJ, Pullen J, Borowitz MJ, Carroll AJ, Behm FG, Camitta B, Land VJ. Leukemia 2000 Sep;14(9):1570-6. PubMed abstract.

Intensification with intermediate-dose intravenous methotrexate is effective therapy for children with lower-risk B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A Pediatric Oncology Group study. Mahoney DH Jr, Shuster JJ, Nitschke R, Lauer S, Steuber CP, Camitta B. J Clin Oncol 2000 Mar;18(6):1285-94. PubMed abstract.

Adverse effect of anticonvulsants on efficacy of chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Mary V Relling, Ching-Hon Pui, John T Sandlund, Gaston K Rivera, Michael L Hancock, James M Boyett, Erin G Schuetz, William E Evans. Lancet 2000; 356: 285 - 290. Can't find on PubMed. I can get to the article via the University. (I have a pdf of this article.)

New definition of remission in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pui CH, Campana D. Leukemia 2000 May;14(5):783-5. PubMed abstract.**

The Role of Prognostic Features in the Treatment of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. ALISON M. FRIEDMANN, HOWARD J. WEINSTEIN. The Oncologist 2000;5:321-328. (I have a pdf of this article.) PubMed abstract.

Trisomy 5 as a sole cytogenetic abnormality in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Sandoval C, Mayer SP, Ozkaynak MF, Tugal O, Jayabose S. Cancer Genet Cytogenet. 2000 Apr 1;118(1):69-71. PubMed abstract.

1999

Genetic abnormalities and drug resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pui CH, Evans WE. Adv Exp Med Biol 1999;457:383-9. * PubMed Abstract

Prognostic importance of 6-mercaptopurine dose intensity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Relling MV, Hancock ML, Boyett JM, Pui CH, Evans WE. Blood 1999 May 1;93(9):2817-23. PubMed Abstract. (I have the pdf file from a free download.)

Phase I targeted systemic exposure study of paclitaxel in children with refractory acute leukemias. Woo MH, Relling MV, Sonnichsen DS, Rivera GK, Pratt CB, Pui CH, Evans WE, Pappo AS. Clin Cancer Res 1999 Mar;5(3):543-9. PubMed Abstract.

Expression of aberrantly spliced oncogenic ikaros isoforms in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Sun L, Goodman PA, Wood CM, Crotty ML, Sensel M, Sather H, Navara C, Nachman J, Steinherz PG, Gaynon PS, Seibel N, Vassilev A, Juran BD, Reaman GH, Uckun FM. J Clin Oncol 1999 Dec;17(12):3753-66. PubMed abstract. I have a hard copy of this article.

Pilot study of noninvasive detection of venous occlusions from central venous access devices in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Kaste SC, Gronemeyer SA, Hoffer FA, Mandrell BN, Wilimas JA. Pediatr Radiol 1999 Aug;29(8):570-4. PubMed abstract.

Hyperdiploid Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With 51 to 65 Chromosomes: A Distinct Biological Entity With a Marked Propensity to Undergo Apoptosis. By Chikako Ito, Masa-aki Kumagai, Atsushi Manabe, Elaine Coustan-Smith, Susana C. Raimondi, Frederick G. Behm, K. Gopal Murti, Jeffrey E. Rubnitz, Ching-Hon Pui, and Dario Campana. Blood,Vol 93, No 1 (January 1), 1999: pp 315-320. (I have a pdf of this article.) PubMed abstract. Full text article.

Long-term Survival And Late Deaths After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation. Gerard Socie, M.d., Ph.d., Judith Veum Stone, M.s., John R. Wingard, M.d., Daniel Weisdorf, M.d., P. Jean Henslee-downey, M.d., Christopher Bredeson, M.d., Jean-yves Cahn, M.d., Jakob R. Passweg, M.d., Philip A. Rowlings, M.d., Harry C. Schouten, M.d., Ph.d., Hans-jochem Kolb, M.d., And John P. Klein, Ph.d., For The Late Effects Working Committee Of The International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry. NEJM Volume 341 Number 1 July 1 1999. (I have a pdf of this article.) PubMed abstract.

Prenatal origin of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children. J L Wiemels, G Cazzaniga, M Daniotti, O B Eden, G M Addison, G Masera, V Saha, A Biondi, M F Greaves. THE LANCET • Vol 354 • October 30, 1999. (I have a pdf of this article.) PubMed abstract.

Intensive treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia according to ALL-BFM-86 without cranial radiotherapy: results of Dutch Childhood Leukemia Study Group Protocol ALL-7 (1988-1991). Kamps WA, Bokkerink JP, Hahlen K, Hermans J, Riehm H, Gadner H, Schrappe M, Slater R, van den Berg-de Ruiter E, Smets LA, de Vaan GA, Weening RS, van Weerden JF, van Wering ER, den der Does-van den Berg A. 1: Blood 1999 Aug 15;94(4):1226-36. PubMed abstract.

Protracted and Variable Latency of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia After TEL-AML1 Gene Fusion In Utero. Joseph L. Wiemels, Anthony M. Ford, Elisabeth R. Van Wering, Aleida Postma, and Mel Greaves. Blood, Vol. 94 No. 3 (August 1), 1999: pp. 1057-1062. Full Text available online.

1998

Pharmacodynamic monitoring of cancer chemotherapy: childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia as a model. Yates CR, Pui CH, Evans WE. Ther Drug Monit 1998 Oct;20(5):453-8. PubMed Abstract.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pui CH, Evans WE. N Engl J Med 1998 Aug 27;339(9):605-15. (No PubMed Abstract available.) (I have this article.)

Conventional compared with individualized chemotherapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Evans WE, Relling MV, Rodman JH, Crom WR, Boyett JM, Pui CH. N Engl J Med 1998 Feb 19;338(8):499-505. PubMed Abstract. Abstract.

Improved survival with early intensification: combined results from the Medical Research Council childhood ALL randomised trials, UKALL X and UKALL XI. Medical Research Council Working Party on Childhood Leukaemia. Richards S, Burrett J, Hann I, Chessells J, Hill F, Bailey C. Leukemia 1998 Jul;12(7):1031-6. PubMed abstract.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral methotrexate and mercaptopurine in children with lower risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a joint children's cancer group and pediatric oncology branch study. Balis FM, Holcenberg JS, Poplack DG, Ge J, Sather HN, Murphy RF, Ames MM, Waskerwitz MJ, Tubergen DG, Zimm S, Gilchrist GS, Bleyer WA. Blood 1998 Nov 15;92(10):3569-77. PubMed abstract. Full Text. I have a pdf of this article.

1997

Fifty years of studies of the biology and therapy of childhood leukemia. Kersey JH. Blood 1997 Dec 1;90(11):4243-51. PubMed Abstract not available. Have PDF and hard copy of this article.

Early response to therapy and outcome in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a review. Gaynon PS, Desai AA, Bostrom BC, Hutchinson RJ, Lange BJ, Nachman JB, Reaman GH, Sather HN, Steinherz PG, Trigg ME, Tubergen DG, Uckun FM. Cancer 1997 Nov 1;80(9):1717-26. PubMed abstract.

1996

Comparative cytotoxicity of dexamethasone and prednisolone in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Ito C, Evans WE, McNinch L, Coustan-Smith E, Mahmoud H, Pui CH, Campana D. J Clin Oncol 1996 Aug;14(8):2370-6. PubMed Abstract.

Cytoreduction and prognosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia--the importance of early marrow response: report from the Childrens Cancer Group. Steinherz PG, Gaynon PS, Breneman JC, Cherlow JM, Grossman NJ, Kersey JH, Johnstone HS, Sather HN, Trigg ME, Chappell R, Hammond D, Bleyer WA. J Clin Oncol 1996 Feb;14(2):389-98. PubMed abstract.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia: a comprehensive review with emphasis on biology and therapy. Cortes JE, Kantarjian H, Freireich EJ. Cancer Treat Res 1996;84:291-323. PubMed abstract not available.

Uniform approach to risk classification and treatment assignment for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Smith M, Arthur D, Camitta B, Carroll AJ, Crist W, Gaynon P, Gelber R, Heerema N, Korn EL, Link M, Murphy S, Pui CH, Pullen J, Reamon G, Sallan SE, Sather H, Shuster J, Simon R, Trigg M, Tubergen D, Uckun F, Ungerleider R. J Clin Oncol 1996 Jan;14(1):18-24. PubMed abstract.

Duration and intensity of maintenance chemotherapy in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: overview of 42 trials involving 12,000 randomised children. Childhood ALL Collaborative Group. Childhood AlL Secretariat, CTSU, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, UK. Lancet 1996 Jun 29;347(9018):1783-8. PubMed abstract.

Duration and intensity of maintenance chemotherapy in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: overview of 42 trials involving 12 000 randomised children. Childhood ALL Collaborative Group. Childhood AIL Secretariat, CTSU, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, UK. Lancet 1996 Jun 29;347(9018):1783-8. PubMed abstract.

1993

Improved outcome with delayed intensification for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and intermediate presenting features: a Childrens Cancer Group phase III trial. Tubergen DG, Gilchrist GS, O'Brien RT, Coccia PF, Sather HN, Waskerwitz MJ, Hammond GD. J Clin Oncol 1993 Mar;11(3):527-37. PubMed abstract.

Improved therapy for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and unfavorable presenting features: a follow-up report of the Childrens Cancer Group Study CCG-106. Gaynon PS, Steinherz PG, Bleyer WA, Ablin AR, Albo VC, Finklestein JZ, Grossman NJ, Novak LJ, Pyesmany AF, Reaman GH, et al. J Clin Oncol 1993 Nov;11(11):2234-42. PubMed abstract.

1992

Impact of three methods of treatment intensification on acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children: long-term results of St Jude total therapy study X. Pui CH, Simone JV, Hancock ML, Evans WE, Williams DL, Bowman WP, Dahl GV, Dodge RK, Ochs J, Abromowitch M, et al. Leukemia 1992 Feb;6(2):150-7. PubMed Abstract. Note: defines HD MTX; reports on the usefulness of HD MTX.

1989

Milk could decrease the bioavailability of 6-mercaptopurine. Rivard GE, Lin KT, Leclerc JM, David M. Am J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 1989 Winter;11(4):402-6. PubMed Abstract.

Relapsed ALL

Efficacy and safety of intrathecal liposomal cytarabine for the treatment of meningeal relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Experience of two pediatric institutions. Rosanna Parasole et al. Leukemia and Lymphoma, Volume 49, Issue 8 August 2008 , pages 1553 - 1559. Abstract.

Factors influencing survival after relapse from acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Children's Oncology Group study. K Nguyen et al. Leukemia advance online publication 25 September 2008. Abstract.

First isolated extramedullary relapse in children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: Results of the Cooprall-97 study. Carine Domenech et al. European Journal of Cancer pub. online 9/08. Abstract.

Efficacy and safety of intrathecal liposomal cytarabine for the treatment of meningeal relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Experience of two pediatric institutions. Rosanna Parasole et al. Leukemia and Lymphoma, Volume 49, Issue 8 August 2008 , pages 1553 - 1559. (Italy) Abstract. "Our results suggest that DepoCyte is a valid option for children with ALL experiencing meningeal relapse; it deserves further investigation in intensive treatment regimens, taking into due consideration potential neurotoxicity."

Reinduction Platform for Children With First Marrow Relapse in Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. Elizabeth A. Raetz et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 24 (August 20), 2008: pp. 3971-3978. Abstract. (COG) AALL01P2 study. "Conclusion: The AALL01P2 regimen is a tolerable and active reinduction platform, suitable for testing in combination with novel agents in B-precursor ALL. Alternative strategies are needed for T-ALL. Serial MRD measurements were feasible and prognostic of outcome."

Chemoimmunotherapy Reinduction With Epratuzumab in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Marrow Relapse: A Children's Oncology Group Pilot Study. Elizabeth A. Raetz et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 22 (August 1), 2008: pp. 3756-3762. Abstract. Epratuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against CD22.

Allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in second complete remission—Similar Outcomes After Matched Related and Unrelated Donor Transplant: A Study of the Spanish Working Party for Blood and Marrow Transplantation in Children (Getmon). A. Munoz et al. Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Volume 25, Issue 4 May 2008, p. 245-259. Abstract.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Children with Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Isolated to the Central Nervous System. Paul D. Harker-Murray et al. Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Volume 14, Issue 6, June 2008, Pages 685-692. Abstract.

High-dose compared with intermediate-dose methotrexate in children with a first relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Arend von Stackelberg et al., Blood, 1 March 2008, Vol. 111, No. 5, pp. 2573-2580. Abstract. Results of a study by the ALL-REZ BFM Study Group.

A Phase 1 and pharmacokinetic clinical trial of paclitaxel for the treatment of refractory leukemia in children: A Children's Oncology Group study. Terzah M. Horton et al. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Volume 50, Issue 4, p. 788-792, 2008. Abstract.

Outcomes after HLA-matched sibling transplantation or chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a second remission after an isolated central nervous system relapse: a collaborative study of the Children's Oncology Group and the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. M Eapen et al. Leukemia, (2008) 22, 281–286. Abstract.

Outcome of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in third complete remission: a vital role for graft-versus-host-disease/ graft-versus-leukaemia effect in survival. Gassas et al. British Journal of Haematology, Volume 140, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 86-89(4). Abstract.

Phase 2 study of docetaxel in the treatment of childhood refractory acute leukemias: A Children's Oncology Group report. Janet L. Frankli, Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Volume 50, Issue 3, 2008, pp. 533-536. Abstract.

Outcome After Relapse Among Children With Standard-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Children's Oncology Group Study CCG-1952. Suman Malempati, Paul S. Gaynon, Harland Sather, Mei K. La, Linda C. Stork. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 25, No 36 (December 20), 2007: pp. 5800-5807. Abstract.

A phase I study of clofarabine in combination with cyclophosphamide and etoposide: A new regimen in pediatric patients with refractory or relapsed acute leukemia. N. Hijiya, J. Franklin, M. Rytting, T. Cooper, R. Chu, E. Barry, C. McCarthy, R. Abichandani, and W. Carroll. ASCO Meeting Abstracts. 2007; 25(18_suppl): p. 9529. Abstract.

Chemoimmunotherapy reinduction with epratuzumab in children with ALL with marrow relapse: A Children's Oncology Group (COG) pilot study (ADVL04P2) E. A. Raetz, M. S. Cairo, M. J. Borowitz, S. M. Blaney, M. D. Krailo, T. A. Leil, D. M. Goldenberg, W. A. Wegener, W. L. Carroll, and P. C. Adamson ASCO Meeting Abstracts. 2007; 25(18_suppl): p. 9513. Abstract.

High-dose idarubicin in combination with Ara-C in patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a pharmacokinetic and clinical study. Tedeschi, A., et al. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, Volume 59, Number 6, June 2007, pp. 771-779(9). Abstract.

Identification of novel molecular prognostic markers for paediatric t-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Gottardo, N.G., et al. Br J Haematol. 2007 May;137(4):319-28. PubMed Abstract.

Long term disease-free survival in acute leukemia patients recovering with increased [gamma][delta] T cells after partially mismatched related donor bone marrow transplantation. Godder, K.T., et al. Bone Marrow Transplant. 2007 Apr 23. PubMed Abstract.

Patients with adenosine deaminase deficiency surviving after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are at high risk of CNS complications. Manfred Hönig et. al., Blood, 15 April 2007, Vol. 109, No. 8, pp. 3595-3602. Abstract.

A Phase 1 Study of the Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib in Pediatric Patients with Refractory Leukemia: a Children's Oncology Group Study. Terzah M. Horton, et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2007 Mar 1;13(5):1516-22. PubMed abstract.

Bone Marrow Tr