Journal of Leukemia
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-6917
ISSN: 2329-6917
Safa Mohammed, Hala Omer, Maher ELdoussouki, Ashraf Khairy, Fatimah Adel Alnaim, Mohammed Saleh Almajed, Saad Aldaama*
Introduction: T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL) is a rare and aggressive malignancy, accounting for 12-15% of pediatric ALL cases. Despite advancements in treatment, relapse rates remain high (~20%). Prognosis depends on factors such as genetic mutations, Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) status, and response to therapy.
Objectives primary objective: To evaluate the clinical outcome of pediatric patients (0-15 years) diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL) treated at King Fahad Specialist Hospital -Dammam between January 2012 and December 2022.
Secondary objectives: To identify prognostic factors that may influence treatment outcomes in pediatric T-ALL. To assess the impact of different treatment strategies and survival and relapse rates. To explore associations between clinical characteristics and therapy response.
Methodology: Descriptive statistics included means, standard deviations, counts, and percentages. T-test and Chi Square test or their non-parametric counterparts were used to assess the associations and differences in demographic and clinical features. Kaplan-Meier curves assessed overall survival, while Cox regression analyzed predictors. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The study included 43 T-ALL patients (81.4% male), with a mean age of 8.32 years. All patients treated with chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was given to 42.9%, while 7% underwent bone marrow transplantation. The 5- year EFS of 75% and OS of 79%. The relapse rate in our study was 16%.
Conclusion: T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive blood cancer marked by the uncontrolled proliferation of immature T-cells. While pediatric survival rates have improved to around 80%, relapse or treatment resistance still leads to death in approximately 20% of cases, highlighting the urgent need for new therapies. Advances in molecular and genetic research have identified key genetic drivers and potential therapeutic targets in T-ALL. Current efforts focus on refining risk stratification, intensifying frontline treatment, and integrating novel agents. As conventional chemotherapy reaches its limits, future strategies rely on a deeper understanding of biology to develop more targeted, effective, and less toxic therapies.
Published Date: 2025-09-11; Received Date: 2025-08-13