Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Current treatment options

Theresa Liu-Dumlao, Hagop Kantarjian, Deborah A. Thomas, Susan O'Brien, Farhad Ravandi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

74 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Philadelphia chromosome (Ph), t(9;22), is seen in about 20 % to 30 % of adults diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It has been associated with poorer prognosis compared with Ph-negative ALL. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the BCR-ABL oncogenic protein from this translocation have been incorporated into treatment regimens used to treat patients with Ph-positive ALL. Imatinib has been the most widely used TKI with several published trials showing it produced better outcomes when combined with chemotherapy. Dasatinib, a more potent inhibitor than imatinib, has also been evaluated with promising results. However, relapses still occur at a high rate, and allogeneic stem cell transplant is considered, so far, a better curative option in first remission. Additional strategies have also included incorporation of TKIs in the posttransplant setting and the use of newer third generation TKIs. This review provides an update on emerging therapies for adults with Ph-positive ALL.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)387-394
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent oncology reports
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2012

Keywords

  • ALL
  • Allogeneic stem cell transplant
  • Philadelphia chromosome
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology

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