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New approaches to the management of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia

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Abstract

The discovery of targeted ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors has allowed significant advances in the treatment of de novo Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive ALL. Whereas the outcome with standard chemotherapy was previously dismal, the use of imatinib in front-line therapy has improved relapse-free survival and overall survival, even in the absence of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in first complete remission (particularly for those with comorbidities or lack of a suitable donor). However, the emergence of resistance to imatinib presents a new therapeutic challenge. Novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors with enhanced inhibitory potency against ABL and other kinases may further improve on the results observed with imatinib. Optimal use of these novel agents in the treatment schema of Ph-positive ALL will be paramount in ensuring continued success in the eradication of this disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Leukemia, Unit 428, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Deborah A. Thomas MD

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  1. Deborah A. Thomas MD
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  2. Susan O’Brien MD
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  3. Jorge Cortes MD
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  4. Hagop Kantarjian MD
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Correspondence to Deborah A. Thomas MD.

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Thomas, D.A., O’Brien, S., Cortes, J. et al. New approaches to the management of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2, 183–189 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11899-007-0025-z

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