Clinical updates in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a clonal disease characterized by B or T lineage. Here we cover the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology and therapy for ALL. Additionally, we will discuss the evidence for minimal residual disease assessment, novel molecular targets and newly developed targeted therapies. The separation of ALL into Philadelphia chromosome positive and recently into Philadelphia-like disease represents the most exciting developments in this disease. Finally, the advent of new immunotherapeutic approaches led us to predict that in few years, ALL therapy might be based heavily on non-chemotherapeutic approaches.

Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Adolescents and young adults; Chimeric antigen receptors; Minimal residual disease; Monoclonal antibodies; Philadelphia chromosome; Tyrosine kinase inhibitors.