Childhood Leukemia: The Changing Prognosis

Abstract

Through a series of meticulous studies testing various combinations of chemotherapy and irradiation to achieve cure, not palliation, a “Total Therapy” program appears to have raised the five-year leukemia-free survival rate to more than 30%. A key step was the introduction of cranial irradiation following achievement of complete remission, to prevent the C N S leukemia that has so often frustrated the gains accomplished by chemotherapy.