[Multi-agent combination chemotherapy for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia--individualized chemotherapy].

Eighteen adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) including 14 previously untreated and 4 relapsed cases were treated with individualized and intensified induction and post-remission therapy. CNS prophylaxis was performed with i. th. methotrexate alone and started early during induction. All patients achieved complete remission. In a median follow up of 65 weeks, 2 yr-disease free survival (DFS) rate was 73.5 +/- 13.0% in previously untreated patients. This treatment program has resulted in markedly improved remission rate and DFS in adults with ALL.