METHOTREXATE USE IS SAFE IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

Abstract

Monitoring level of methotrexate is not only aimed at monitoring effectiveness, but also safety aspects of the administration of high-dose methotrexate because the use of high-dose methotrexate is one of the problems associated with toxicity in various organs. In the use of high-dose methotrexate, measurement of methotrexate is important to identify patients with a high risk of toxicity, particularly nephrotoxicity as well as for dosing guidelines for leucovorin therapy. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety of high-dose methotrexate on kidney function during chemotherapy consolidation phase in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This was a longitudinal, observational prospective study conducted to determine the safety profile of high-dose methotrexate on kidney function during chemotherapy consolidation phase in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were given high-dose methotrexate according to the 2013 Indonesian ALL Chemotherapy Protocol. Measurement of methotrexate level and kidney function was done 3 times on each cycle of chemotherapy consolidation phase. Measurements were made on the 0, 24 and 48 hours after the first drop of high-dose methotrexate. This study had been reviewed by Ethics Committee of Dr. Soetomo Hospital Surabaya. There were 12 patients who met inclusion criteria and 6 patients among them had finished their chemotherapy consolidation phase completely. There was no significant change in kidney function after the administration of high-dose methotrexate compared to baseline (p>0.05) and there was no significant correlation between serum level of methotrexate versus creatinine clearance. In conclusion, methotrexate was safe to use in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Keywords

• High-dose Methotrexate
• Kidney Function
• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
• Consolidation Phase