SIDE EFFECTS OF HIGH-DOSE MTX(5 G/M²) IN THE TREATMENT OF HIGH-RISK ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT THE VIETNAM NATIONAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL DURING 2023-2024

Ly Xuan Toan1, Bui Ngoc Lan2
1 University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University
2 Vietnam National Children’s Hospital

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Abstract

High-dose MTX (HD-MTX) is a key component of treatment protocols for high-risk pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. However, HD-MTX may induce various toxicities that can compromise treatment outcomes and patient safety. This single-center descriptive study included 35 pediatric patients who received a total of 140 courses of HD-TX at the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital between 2023 and 2024. Clinical and laboratory toxicities were documented and graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. The median age of patients was 6 years (IQR: 4-10), with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. The most frequent toxicities were elevated liver enzymes (58.6%), anemia (48.6%) and neutropenia (32.9%). Most side efects were mild to moderate (grade 1-2) and resolved spontaneously within two weeks. Delayed MTX elimination occurred in 11.4% of treatment courses, with no treatment-related deaths. In conclusion, HD-MTX-associated toxicities in pediatric patients with high-risk pre-B ALL were mainly mild to moderate and self-limiting. Anemia, neutropenia, and hepatotoxicity were the most common adverse efects observed.

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