Abstract: We investigated the clinical characteristics and therapeutic of elderly patients (≥55) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods: From Jenuary 2000 to July 2012, 45 elderly patients (≥55) were enrolled in the study. Patients assighed into CVDP VDP/VP induction chemotherapy based on organ function. Patients in complete remission (CR) undertake consolidation therapy, maintenance therapy or follow up. The patient who had appropriate donor received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). CR, Overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS), relapse rate and prognosis factors were analyzed. Results: 45 elderly patients (≥55) about 9.6% in all 470 cases ALL simultaneity, and B-ALL about 88.9%. 27 patients (60%) obtained CR after 1 cycle of induction chemotherapy. 33 patients (73.3%) obtained overall CR. The CR rate significantly decreased in the elderly patients more than 60 years old vs. 55-60 years old patients (86.2% vs. 50%；P=0.009). All 45 patients 2 years OS rate was 33.7%, The median OS was 12 months (95%CI，6.68-17.32). 55-60 years (P=0.014), CR (P=0.002) and consolidation therapy (P=0.001) were independent favorite prognostic factors for OS. CVDP induction chemotherapy (P=0.013) and consolidation (P=0.049) were independent favorite prognostic factors for DFS. Conclusion: The outcomes of elderly patients with ALL were poor, 55-60 years, CVDP induction chemotherapy, CR and consolidation therapy were independent favorite prognostic factors.

Key words: Leukemia, lymphocytic, acute, Aged, Prognosis