Purpose of review: This study aims to provide an overview of the classification, incidence, genomic alterations, and clinical implications of Philadelphia-like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Ph-like ALL) in adults.
Recent findings: Ph-like ALL is a high-risk subtype of B cell precursor ALL with characteristic genomic alterations in children and adults. A standard approach for diagnosis is missing and currently mainly based on gene expression analysis. The incidence is age depended and highest in adolescents and younger adults (age 16-39) where 19-28% of patients belong to this subtype. Ph-like ALL is associated with persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD) and inferior prognosis. Some genomic alterations respond to specific treatment approaches and provide hope for tailored therapies. Ph-like ALL in adults is an aggressive and high-risk subtype of B cell precursor ALL. Without consensus definition, diagnosis is difficult and current publications highlight the importance of stringent MRD monitoring to guide risk-adapted treatment strategies.
Keywords: Adults; BCR-ABL1-like ALL; Genetics; Incidence; Ph-like ALL; Prognosis.