Retrospective analysis of survival and treatment related mortality following a myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplant in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

This internship practicum report evaluates clinical outcomes of high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia in young patients who underwent myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplant as an alternate to chemotherapy in hopes of long term cure. Scientific literature reveals that presence of specific progressive disease features during therapy and at diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia categorizes few patients as high-risk ALL. These patients respond poorly to chemotherapy and require durable potential alternatives for long term survival. The use of myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant may be offered as an option for potential long term cure. However following transplant remains considerable likelihood of serious post-transplant complications which may jeopardize chances of survival. Longitudinally drawn statistically significant retrospective studies may uncover valuable information and possibly impact decisions when considering a myeloablative allogeneic transplant once a young patient is considered high-risk ALL.