Childhood Leukaemia: Long-Term Survival and Cure Rates
Author Information
Author(s): Shah A, Stiller C A, Kenward M G, Vincent T, Eden T O B, Coleman M P
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the proportion of children cured of childhood leukaemia and how has it changed over time?
Conclusion
The proportion of children cured of leukaemia has increased significantly, but excess mortality persists for many years after diagnosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Five-year survival for all types of leukaemia combined rose from 33% to 79% by 2000.
- The percentage cured rose from 25% to 68% by 1995.
- Average time to cure increased from 12 years to 19 years for lymphoid leukaemia.
Takeaway
More kids are surviving leukaemia now than before, but some still face health problems long after they get better.
Methodology
Data from the National Registry of Childhood Tumours for children diagnosed with leukaemia in Great Britain from 1971 to 2000 were analyzed to estimate survival trends and cure rates.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in estimating cure rates due to reliance on extrapolation for recent diagnoses.
Limitations
The estimates of cure are less precise for children diagnosed more recently due to shorter follow-up times.
Participant Demographics
Children diagnosed with leukaemia in Great Britain under the age of 15.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 11–14
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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