History and present of the treatment of lymphoblastic leukemia in children

Overview

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia presents 25 % of malignant tumor diseases in children with incidence 3 cases per 100 000 children younger than 15 years/yearly. The long-term survival of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia has risen during last 40 years. It was no chance of long-term survival in the beginning of 60^th however the rate is increasing up to 80% in the beginning of 21^st century. Successful treatment of leukemia in children serves as an example for progression of treatment strategy for diverse types of malignant tumors. Experimental research working on leukemic cells has contributed significantly to knowledge in cell biology. I summarize in this review history of remarkable success of medicine in the twentieth century such as, undoubtedly, treatment of leukemia in children.

Key words:
acute lymphoblastic leukemia, children, treatment, history