Developing Targeted Therapies for T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma

Curr Hematol Malig Rep. 2023 Dec;18(6):217-225. doi: 10.1007/s11899-023-00706-7. Epub 2023 Jul 25.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Largely, treatment advances in relapsed and/or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have been made in B cell disease leaving T cell ALL reliant upon high-intensity chemotherapy. Recent advances in the understanding of the biology of T-ALL and the improvement in immunotherapies have led to new therapeutic pathways to target and exploit. Here, we review the more promising pathways that are able to be targeted and other therapeutic possibilities for T-ALL.

Recent findings: Preclinical models and early-phase clinical trials have shown promising results in some case in the treatment of T-ALL. Targeting many different pathways could lead to the next advancement in the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory disease. Recent advances in cellular therapies have also shown promise in this space. When reviewing the literature as a whole, targeting important pathways and antigens likely will lead to the next advancement in T-ALL survival since intensifying chemotherapy.

Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Developmental therapeutics; T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Lymphoma* / metabolism
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell*
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / therapy
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / drug therapy
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / pathology
  • Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / drug therapy
  • Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes