augmented berlin-frankfurt-münster chemotherapy

Augmented Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (augmented BFM or aBFM) chemotherapy is an **intensified multi-agent chemotherapy regimen** designed for high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults[1][4][5][9]. It is based on the standard BFM regimen, with modifications including increased doses and frequency of agents such as asparaginase and vincristine, additional high-dose blocks, and sometimes substitution of drugs or inclusion of new consolidation phases[7][9]. The regimen typically includes **daunorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, dexamethasone, PEG asparaginase, high-dose methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, thioguanine, mercaptopurine, and intrathecal methotrexate**[3][9]. Augmented BFM intensification is risk-adapted, often used for high-risk or very high-risk ALL patients, and may include further additions such as delayed intensification, cranial radiation, or extra agents (occasionally monoclonal antibodies in trials)[2][3][5][9]. It functions as a cytotoxic, antineoplastic, systemic chemotherapy protocol, acting through multiple mechanisms targeting rapidly dividing lymphoid cells. The regimen was originally developed and refined by cooperative oncology groups in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Münster, and has subsequently been adapted by organizations such as the Children’s Oncology Group and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for use in pediatric and adolescent/young adult populations[7][9].

Other names

augmented berlin-frankfurt-münster regimenABFMaugmented BFM