T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.

Children with T-cell ALL have a biologically distinct subset of disease and require special treatment. This T-cell protocol suggests that the selection of chemotherapeutic agents, the emphasis on extramedullary prophylaxis, and thymectomy may be one rational approach to the treatment of these patients. The therapy program is highly immunosuppressive and requires expertise in pediatric supportive care. Future considerations must recognize the importance of T-cell subsets (Reinherz et al. 1979) as well as the use of antileukemic monoclonal antibodies and other innovative approaches to therapy.