Homoharringtonine in Relapsed/Refractory Paediatric T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia—A Case Series and a Report on the Use of In Vitro Drug Profiling

Abstract

Paediatric relapse/refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) is notoriously difficult to treat. This group of heavily pre-treated patients needs effective agents that can rapidly control the disease while not having significant toxicity. Homoharringtonine (HHT) has been widely used in children with acute myeloid leukaemia, but there is little information on T-ALL. In this case series, HHT, in combination with other agents, achieved good response in five paediatric patients with T-ALL. The in vitro drug profiling in one patient demonstrated clinical correlation with HHT activity. The study sheds light on the potential of precision medicine for patients with relapsed/refractory leukaemia.