Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The survival of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has improved significantly with the use of intensive multimodality treatment regimens including chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell rescue, and radiation therapy when indicated. This report summarizes the treatment strategies, especially radiation therapy in the Children's Oncology Group for children with ALL. Currently, radiation therapy is only indicated for children with high-risk CNS involvement at diagnosis or relapse, testicular relapse and as part of the conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Future research strategies regarding the indications for and dosages of radiation therapy and novel radiation techniques are discussed.

Automated summary

Radiation therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of children with ALL, mainly indicated for high-risk CNS involvement, testicular relapse, and conditioning for stem cell transplantation. Future research will focus on the indications and dosages of radiation therapy, as well as the development of novel radiation techniques.