Long duration of complete remissions in acute leukemia.

Reports are presented of 13 cases of acute leukemia in which the patient has survived for more than 4 years. In 12 of these cases, remission was complete for more than 3 years. Seven patients continue in remission and in good general health variously 8 years 6 months, 6 years 7 months (2 patients), 4 years 9 months (2 patients), 4 years 8 months, and 4 years 3 months after the onset of acute leukemia. The variety of forms observed, the relatively high proportion of myeloblastic leukemias, and the diversity and occasional mildness of the therapy applied are evidence in this series in favor of the intervention of the defense mechanisms of the individual patient. The existence of such long-term remissions obtained with proved therapy should be taken into consideration in evaluating the effects of new treatments. Hopes of long-term stabilization of acute leukemias no longer appear completely unreasonable. The aim of all therapy of acute leukemia is to increase the number of patients in long-term remission.