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Intermediate dose methotrexate in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia resulting in decreased incidence of testicular relapse
Author(s) -
Brecher Martin L.,
Weinberg Vivian,
Boyett James M.,
Sinks Lucius F.,
Jones Barbara,
Glicksman Arvin,
Holland James F.,
Freeman Arnold I.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19860901)58:5<1024::aid-cncr2820580507>3.0.co;2-v
Subject(s) - methotrexate , medicine , incidence (geometry) , lymphoblastic leukemia , gastroenterology , antimetabolite , testicular cancer , leukemia , chemotherapy , surgery , urology , physics , optics
Six hundred thirty‐four children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were randomized to receive sanctuary therapy consisting of either cranial irradiation (CRT) plus intrathecal (IT) methotrexate (MTX) or three courses of intermediate‐dose methotrexate (IDM) plus intrathecal methotrexate. Two hundred sixty‐six male patients achieved a complete response and were evaluable for the effects of prophylactic therapy on the duration of remission. There was one isolated testicular relapse (0.8%) in the IDM group compared with 14 (10%) in the CRT group. The incidence of testicular relapse was significantly lower in the patients treated with IDM (P < 0.001). High plasma levels of MTX achieved during the 24‐hour infusions may result in increased penetration of MTX into the interstitium of the testes, thus allowing for the eradication of sequestered leukemic cells and preventing the emergence of drug resistance resulting from exposure to sublethal concentration of MTX. Cancer 58:1024‐1028, 1986.