Impact of Duffy-Associated Neutrophil Count on Chemotherapy Management
in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Abstract
Maintenance therapy is critical for successful treatment of pediatric
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Chemotherapy dosing during
maintenance is guided by the absolute neutrophil count, and may be
influenced by the rs2814478 polymorphism causing Duffy-associated
neutrophil counts (DANC). Breast cancer patients with DANC experience
more neutropenia and reduced treatment intensity, despite not having
increased infections. To illustrate the potential impact in pediatric
ALL, we describe maintenance therapy for a child with DANC. This case
raises the possibility that maintenance therapy may be inappropriately
reduced in patients with DANC when using conventional guidelines,
potentially contributing to disparities in outcomes.