The success rate of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (A.L.L.) has significantly improved over the years. Let’s delve into the data:
Historical Trends:
- In the 1980s, the nonrelapse mortality (NRM) at 1 year after transplantation was 29.7%.
- In the 1990s, it decreased to 24.4%.
- From 2000 through 2009, it further improved to 14.8%.
- And from 2010 through 2016, it reached 12.2%1.
Recent Advances:
- The most substantial improvement occurred around the year 2000.
- In a matched-pairs analysis, the NRM at 1 year was 9.5% from 2013 through 20161.
Overall Survival:
- After a median follow-up of 9 years, the 10-year overall survival rates for various conditions were as follows:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and lymphoma: 84%
(Gary's comment: As best I can tell, for 60+ year olds, the percentages go down by at least half.)
Now, one thing I've said that may sound strange to you is that God is not bound by statistics or time. God's very nature is omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful), and infinite and timeless. So how and when He chooses to act is not bound by statistics or time.
He is the giver of all good things. Job 1:21 says, The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
We all have a finite time here on this earth. Why does God allow some to suffer cancer, stroke, pain in death? I don't know in specific cases, but I do know from Romans 8 that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. God has not revealed His timeline for me. Statistics in that sense, are irrelevant. God determines my fate and timeline, not statistics.
I do believe and have faith that eternally I will enjoy life in heaven in His presence when my time here comes to an end, whether that's soon or not so soon.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4 that we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
So, to God be the glory, whether it's a day or 30 years. As Paul said, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Blessings, grace, mercy and most of all, love to you all,
Gary
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