Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Pediatric Systemic Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs) present unique challenges due to their clinical and genetic heterogeneity. This study investigated the clinical characteristics of children diagnosed with systemic ALCL. Retrospective data from 14 pediatric patients diagnosed with systemic ALCL at Valme University Hospital were studied. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were collected and statistically analyzed. The mean age at diagnosis was 8.5 years, with a male predominance (78.6%). Cutaneous presentation occurred in 35.7% of cases, with characteristic rapidly growing subcutaneous nodules. B symptoms were present in 57.1% of patients, while 100% exhibited nodal involvement. Visceral and bone marrow involvement was observed in 71.4% and 7.1% of patients, respectively. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement was absent. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement was positive in all cases. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy resulted in 100% 5- and 10-year overall survival rates. Systemic ALCL in children often presents with advanced-stage disease, with cutaneous involvement in a significant proportion of cases. Prompt recognition of skin lesions is vital to expedite diagnosis and treatment initiation, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This study underscores the importance of vigilance and early intervention in managing pediatric ALCL.