Trends in survival outcomes of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia in elderly patients: analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database

Abstract

B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in the elderly population is generally considered to have a poor prognosis. It is unclear whether their survival has improved in the current era. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we selected 717 elderly patients (age ≥ 60) with B-ALL diagnosed between 1992 and 2011. Overall survival (OS) was compared based on their period of diagnosis and age. Patients in the age group 60–69 had an improvement in OS over time, both 1-year OS (49.4% in 2002–2011 vs. 33.1% in 1992–2001) and 5-year OS (20.4% in 2002–2011 vs. 8.1% in 1992–2001, p = 0.002). Patients ≥ 70 years had no significant improvement in 1-year OS or 5-year OS (5-year OS 5.5% in 1992–2001 vs. 9.7% in 2002–2011, p = 0.326). Hence, there are discrepancies in the improvement of OS among elderly patients with B-ALL. Further focus of research in elderly patients with B-ALL is needed to improve their outcome.

Keywords::

• Elderly
• acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• survival
• SEER

Acknowledgement

The authors appreciate the statistical suggestions and assistance provided by Ishwori Dhakal, MS (Biostatictics) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Potential conflict of interest

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