Treatment of children with Down syndrome and acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Treatment of newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children, adolescents, and young adults with Down syndrome during the remission induction, consolidation/intensification, and maintenance phases always includes combination chemotherapy. Children with Down syndrome and ALL are treated based on their risk group. Children with Down syndrome and ALL may experience more side effects from treatment than other children. Sometimes children with Down syndrome may receive lower doses of anticancer drugs to lower the risk of side effects from treatment.

Intrathecal and systemic chemotherapy are given to prevent or treat the spread of leukemia cells to the brain and spinal cord. Sometimes radiation therapy to the brain is also given.

Throughout treatment, it's important that your child take all medicines ordered by the doctor. Not taking the medicines as directed increases the chance the cancer will come back.