Poor prognosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Asian children living in the United Kingdom

Abstract

A study of the results of treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Asian (Indian and Pakistani) children living in the United Kingdom showed that they had a poorer prognosis than native white children due mainly to deaths during remission. Similar proportions of Asian and white children suffered relapse. Lower socioeconomic status, poor nutrition, and difficulties in communication may have contributed to the worse outcome in the Asian children.