Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Older Patients and Newer Drugs

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Abstract
Although the median age for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is older than 60 years, relatively few of these patients have been enrolled on prospective clinical trials. The presence of coexisting medical disorders and unfavorable cytogenetic and biological characteristics within this population presents considerable challenges for successful treatment using conventional chemotherapy programs. Selected patients have achieved remission and long-term survival following intensive chemotherapy. Preliminary data using several new agents that have shown promise for patients with ALL are described.