Recent advances in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Burkitt leukemia) therapy in childhood.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia with Burkitt type cells has been described in 1975. Until the mid-1980, with conventional treatments, the prognosis was very poor with very few long-term survivors. Failures were mainly due to central nervous system involvement at diagnosis or relapse. After that period a dramatic improvement has been observed with intensified treatments based on Burkitt's lymphoma therapy regimens. High-dose cyclophosphamide, high-dose methotrexate, high-dose ara-C in compact protocols completed in 6-7 months have been proven useful. 75% of the patients can be cured.