Studies on the immune status of children with acute lymphocytic leukaemia. II. In remission with and without cytostatic treatment.

In eleven children with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), cytostatic treatment was stopped after sustained remission lasting for 9 months--6 1/2 years. Their immunological status was monitored every 6--12 weeks during the first year after cessation of therapy. Rebound of depressed parameters was observed for absolute lymphocyte, B-cell and T-cell counts and for immunoglobulins. A simple follow-up scheme for such patients is proposed.