Emerging therapy for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
BACKGROUND
Over the last few decades, advances in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy have led to long-term survival rates of > 80% in children; however, comparable rates have yet to be achieved in adults, and a large majority of patients relapse from their disease.


METHODS
The review describes historical therapy and advancements in ALL treatment over the past few decades, while providing a concise review of the future direction of ALL therapy. Literature was collected through peer reviewed journals and the Pharmaprojects drug profile for ALL.


RESULTS
Current information regarding prognostic factors for relapse, salvage therapy options and emerging drugs are provided in the review.


CONCLUSIONS
Development of new drugs with novel mechanisms, unique formulations of existing medications, as well as manipulation of current combinations of drugs remain vital to the success in adult ALL.
Fullmer
Amber
A
The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Leukemia, 1515 Holcombe Blvd. Box 428. Houston, TX 77030, USA.
O'Brien
Susan
S
Kantarjian
Hagop
H
Jabbour
Elias
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual / Q000188:drug therapy*; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D016879:Salvage Therapy / Q000379:methods; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation
D015507:Drugs, Investigational