Myeloablative Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation with a Non-total Body Irradiation Regimen for Treating Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Background: Total body irradiation (TBI) has been traditionally used as a conditioning regimen prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with pediatric leukemia. However, TBI can cause late sequelae such as growth impairment, cataract, hormone abnormalities, infertility, neurocognitive effects, and secondary malignancy in pediatric patients. Methods: This single center retrospective study included 22 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who were aged ＜18 years and underwent HSCT between May 1999 and December 2014; seven patients received a TBI-based regimen and 15 received a non-TBI regimen. Results: The overall survival and event-free survival rates in the TBI group were not significantly different from those in the non-TBI group (overall survival rate 71% vs. 73%, respectively; P=0.906; event-free survival rate 71% vs. 73%, respectively P=0.923). Conclusion: Our results indicate that non-TBI conditioning regimens can be an alternative treatment option of the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing HSCT. KCI Citation Count: 0