Dexamethasone-based therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: results of the prospective Dutch Childhood Oncology Group (DCOG) protocol ALL-9 (1997-2004).

Background: A population-based cohort of children aged 1-18 years with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) was treated with a dexamethasone-based protocol (Dutch Childhood Oncology Group [DCOG] ALL-9). We aimed to confirm the results of the most effective DCOG ALL protocol for non-high-risk (NHR) patients to date (ALL-6), compare results with ALL-7 and ALL-8, and study prognostic factors in a non-randomised setting.

Methods: From Jan 1, 1997, until Nov 1, 2004, patients with ALL were treated according to the ALL-9 protocol in eight Dutch academic centres with their affiliated peripheral hospitals.

Unrelated donor marrow transplantation in children: transplant policy and outcome in Leiden Paediatrics SCT-Centre.

The transplant policy for unrelated donor (UD) BMT at Leiden Paediatrics' SCT-Centre consisted of the use of (1) fully HLA-matched donors or, if not available, HLA-class I matched and/or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursor (CTLp)-negative donors and (2) protective isolation of the recipient and antimicrobial suppression of his/her gut microflora to prevent infections and acute GVHD. Engraftment, GVHD, relapse in the case of malignancy and survival were studied retrospectively in 126 evaluable children, transplanted between 1988 and 2005. In addition to the effect of HLA-matching, that of other transplant-relevant variables on the outcome was also studied.

Eye shielding during total body irradiation for bone marrow transplantation in children transplanted for a hematological disorder: risks and benefits.

This is a retrospective analysis of 188 children who underwent total body irradiation (TBI) in one or two fractions before bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for a hematological disorder. While 139 children had eye shielding during TBI to decrease cataract formation, 49 did not. The blocks used for shielding caused cylindrical areas of decreased dose intensity in the brain.

[Favorable current prognosis after HLA-identical bone marrow transplantation for children with required severe aplastic anemia; evaluation of 30 years of bone marrow transplantation at the Leiden University Medical Center].

Objective: To evaluate the results of 30 years of allogeneic HLA-identical bone marrow transplantation (BMT) as the treatment for children with acquired severe aplastic anaemia.

Design: Retrospective, descriptive.

Method: Of all patients who underwent an HLA-identical sibling-donor BMT for severe aplastic anaemia at the Department of Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, in the period 1971-2000, and had a follow-up period of at least 1 year, the medical data were reviewed.

Value of panoramic radiographs in paediatric pre-bone marrow transplantation oral evaluation.

Panoramic radiographs (orthopantomogram [OPT]) are, beside clinical examination, helpful in detecting possible dental foci of infections before bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The value of an OPT in paediatric BMT-recipients was assessed by the results of dental evaluation, consisting of an OPT and a consultation by an oral surgeon, in 161 children between 1987 and 1999. Eleven out of 161 children had at least one oral focus of infection that required treatment before myeloablative therapy.