New Australian research has shown a safer and more effective way to treat adolescents and young adults aged 15–39 years diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) — with outcomes substantially better than previous standard-of-care treatments.
The national study, supported by Canteen Australia through the Australian Government Medical Research Future Fund, is the first ALL trial to replace a block of conventional chemotherapy with immunotherapy (blinatumomab).
The results
- Almost 89% disease-free survival and over 90% overall survival after three years of follow-up — substantially better than previous standard-of-care treatments for ALL in this age group.
- 100% overall survival rate at three years for the subset of patients with standard risk genomics.
- 80% overall survival rate at three years for patients with adverse risk genomics.
Importantly, these results were achieved while reducing exposure to intensive chemotherapy — a vital consideration for young people facing long-term treatment and survivorship.
The team behind the research
Congratulations to A/Prof Michael Osborn, the SA/NT YCS Clinical Lead and SACCaN's Chief Cancer Officer, who was Principal Investigator for South Australia. Genomic research was undertaken at SAHMRI by Prof David Yeung and Prof Deb White, alongside Drs Jacqueline Rehn, Elyse Page and Sue Heatley. A/Prof Matthew Greenwood (Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney) led the study nationally.
This research was conducted through the Australasian Leukaemia & Lymphoma Group (ALLG).
