Plasma methotrexate, red blood cell methotrexate, and red blood cell folate values and outcome in children with precursor B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group.

Plasma steady state methotrexate (MTX) level and red blood cell (RBC) MTX and folate concentrations were evaluated in 1124 children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia enrolled in the Pediatric Oncology Group studies 9005 (lower risk; Regimens A and C) and 9006 (higher risk; Regimen A). These regimens included intermediate-dose MTX (1 g/m) given as a 24 hours infusion every other week for 12 doses during intensification. Plasma MTX level was evaluated at the end of MTX infusions.

Allergic reactions to E. coli L-asparaginase do not affect outcome in childhood B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Children's Oncology Group Study.

We describe the outcome of children with B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia registered on Pediatric Oncology Group 8602 who switched to Erwinia asparaginase (ASP) due to an allergy to the Escherichia coli product. Between February 1986 and January 1991, children in complete remission after induction that included intramuscular E. coli ASP (6000 U/m2x6) were randomized for consolidation.

The prognostic significance of cytogenetic aberrations in childhood acute myeloid leukaemia. A study of the Swiss Paediatric Oncology Group (SPOG).

In childhood-onset acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) the clinical value of karyotypic aberrations is now acknowledged, although there is still debate concerning the prognostic significance of some events. To add to this knowledge, cytogenetic analysis was performed on a consecutive series of 84 childhood AML patients diagnosed in Switzerland. A result was obtained for all patients, with 69 (82%) showing a clonal karyotypic aberration.

ATM alterations in childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

ATM gene alterations and impaired ATM protein expression have been described in various adult lymphoproliferative malignancies, suggesting that ATM contributes to lymphomagenesis. The present study investigated the prevalence of ATM gene and ATM protein expression alterations in sporadic childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Twenty-seven cases of NHL were screened for ATM mutations by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC).

Stepping up versus standard doses of erythropoietin in preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial.

In this study, it is hypothesized that a planned increase in the dose of recombinant human erythropoietin (rh-EPO) can prevent transfusion in very low birth weight infants. Two different regimens of rh-EPO were administrated, one consisting in increasing dosage up to 5000 U/kg/wk, according to the individual reticulocytes response, and the second in a standard therapy of 1250 U/kg/wk. Fifty-one infants participated.

ATM promoter analysis in childhood lymphoid malignancies: a brief communication.

ATM promoter hypermethylation has been recently reported in adult carcinomas, but no information is available concerning the methylation status of ATM gene promoter in childhood B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Furthermore, involvement of somatic ATM promoter mutations in cancer is not known. We report a complete ATM gene promoter analysis in 74 childhood lymphoid malignancies.

ATM gene alterations in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemias.

Hereditary ATM gene mutations cause ataxia-telangiectasia, a pleiotropic disorder associated with a high incidence of lymphoid malignancies. Acquired ATM alterations have been described in sporadic lymphoproliferative disorder suggesting that the ATM gene contributes to lymphomagenesis. To assess the prevalence of genomic ATM alterations in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL), we explored a series of 57 sporadic ALL cases (26 B-precursor ALL and 31 T-ALL) using DHPLC (Denaturing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography).