Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Background

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) receive chemotherapy until two years after initial diagnosis. Setting a correct dose of the highly toxic substances administered is important, and hence the effects of different dose levels is monitored. 

However, such studies are complicated by the fact that in clinical practice the dose levels are continuously adjusted according to their effect on the blood cell counts and on the occurrence of clinical side effects, especially infections. These effects are not the target of the treatment but do correlate with survival, which is the aim of the treatment.

Novelty

The novelty of the research project is to consider the interplay between patients’ toxicity and therapy modifications, making it possible to remove the biases inherent in a conventional statistical analysis. The final objective is to determine optimal dose levels for personalized care, and practical guidelines for ALL treatment.

Team

• Dr. M. Fiocco (PI), Mathematical Institute Leiden University, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences Leiden University Medical Center & Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology 

• Dr. H. de Groot, Dutch Childhood Oncology Group, the Hague

• Dr. ir. C. Lancia, Mathematical Institute Leiden University

• Prof. dr. R. Pieters (PI), MD, Medical Director of Princess Maxima Center, Utrecht

• Dr. S. van der Pas, Mathematical Institute Leiden University