Objective: To analyse the epidemiological data of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Shanghai.
Methods: ALL cases in Shanghai from 2002 to 2006 were retrospectively investigated.
Results: All together there were 544 newly diagnozed ALL cases. The yearly incidence of ALL was 0.81/10(5), which was slightly higher in men (0.86/10(5)) than in women (0.75/10(5)). The age-stratified incidence showed 2.31/10(5) in patients (pts) </= 17y, 0.54/10(5) in 18 - 34 y, 0.46/10(5) in 35 - 59 y, and 0.94/10(5) in pts > 60 y. The incidences in Chongming County was 0.60/10(5), being the lowest in all districts. The morphological types of ALL was L(1) (26.2%), L(2) (57.4%) and L(3) (16.4%); the immunophenotype was B (80.1%) and T (19.5%). The incidence of ALL with myeloid antigen expression was 20.2%. Genetic examination revealed that chromosome aberration of t(9;22) was the most common one.
Conclusions: The incidence of ALL in Shanghai is 0.81/10(5). Compared with the national standard (1986 - 1998), the incidence in adolescents is obviously increased. Chongming County has the lowest incidence, indicating a role of environment factor in ALL incidence.