FLAG With Bortezomib in Childhood Relapsed/Refractory Leukemia: Remission Induction With Limited Toxicity in the Era of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria

Abstract

We present our experience on the use of fludarabine, cytarabine, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in combination with Bortezomib. In total, 13 children with relapsed/refractory leukemia (acute lymphoblastic leukemia=9 and acute myeloid leukemia=4) were included from January 2018 to May 2019. Culture-positive sepsis and intensive care unit admission rates were 38% and 30%, respectively, with no postchemotherapy mortality in this cohort. Morphologic remission was documented in 92% and negative minimal residual disease was achieved in 61%, with 100% remission in those with acute myeloid leukemia. These results bear significant relevance in developing countries where multidrug-resistant sepsis is on the rise.