Induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia: incidence and risk factors for bloodstream infections.

Among the treatment-related acute toxic effects, risks for bloodstream infections (BSIs) are associated with several variables. The authors carried out a retrospective cohort study with 259 children and adolescents with ALL, treated with the GBTLI-LLA 2009 protocol, in order to assess the incidence of BSIs in the induction phase; to determine the risk factors for these BSIs; and to identify the related microorganisms and sensitivity profile of the microorganisms related to these infections. BSIs were documented in 19.

Low Bioavailability and High Immunogenicity of a New Brand of E. colil-Asparaginase with Active Host Contaminating Proteins.

The drug l-asparaginase is a cornerstone in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The native E. colil-asparaginase used in Brazil until recently has been manufactured by Medac/Kyowa.