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“Peripheral Blood Neutrophil Nadir and Time to Platelet Recovery during Induction Chemotherapy: Predictors of Clinical Outcomes and Markers for Optimizing Treatment Intensity in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia”
  • +6
  • Ramya Ramesh,
  • Vineet Aggarwal,
  • Amit choudhary,
  • Debdatta Basu,
  • N. Sreekumaran Nair,
  • Prasanth Ganesan,
  • Biswajt Dubashi,
  • Rajat Govind,
  • Smita Kayal
Ramya Ramesh
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research
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Vineet Aggarwal
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research
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Amit choudhary
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research
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Debdatta Basu
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research
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N. Sreekumaran Nair
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research
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Prasanth Ganesan
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research
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Biswajt Dubashi
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research
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Rajat Govind
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research
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Smita Kayal
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research

Corresponding Author:kayalsmita@gmail.com

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Abstract

During induction of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) cytopenias lead to frequent toxicities, treatment interruptions, and higher mortality rates. Blood count kinetics can also be potential markers of chemotherapy efficacy and bone marrow recovery. Understanding kinetics of blood counts and their association with clinical outcomes can help in optimizing weekly chemotherapy schedule according to risk of toxicity. 243 cases were analysed and baseline data, nadir, time to recovery of counts during induction, and survival outcomes were recorded. Median age was 15 (1-62) years. Immunophenotype was B-ALL in 71%, T-ALL in 27%. Good steroid response (D8) was seen in 89%, CR in 79%, and induction mortality in 12%. Median neutrophil nadir was 0.06(0-0.49) *10 9/L and median day to nadir was D17. Median time to partial and complete platelet recovery was D18 and D25. Late neutrophil nadir (>D15) was independent predictor of refractory disease [OR=5.43; p=0.042)], late partial platelet recovery (>D22) was independent predictor of poorer EFS and OS (HR = 1.63 [p = 0.020] and HR = 1.5 [p = 0.044]. Validation of blood count kinetics as independent predictors of post-induction and survival outcomes provides neutrophil and platelet counts as a simple, easy-to-use tool for balancing treatment efficacy-toxicity during induction.