Current Approaches to Philadelphia Chromosome–Positive B-Cell Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Role of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor and Stem Cell Transplant

Purpose of Review: Over the past two decades, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have changed the management of patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and this has led to significant improvement in their outcome. In this review, we will provide an overview of the current understanding of treatment of Ph+ ALL focusing on TKIs, alloHSCT, and novel therapies. Recent findings: The advent of more potent TKIs and the novel therapeutic options including blinatumomab, inotuzumab ozogamicin, and CD19 CAR-T therapy has changed the role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT) and intensive chemotherapy. To avoid toxicity from the historical treatment strategies, a more individualized, targeted approach to therapy including detection and monitoring of measurable residual disease (MRD) has become of interest. Summary: The treatment of patients with Ph+ ALL has been rapidly evolving with a more individualized, targeted treatment and use of TKIs and novel therapy.