Latest Research on Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Executive Summary

Several latest research studies have been conducted to seek more information on acute lymphocytic leukemia, related prevention methods, diagnostic process at the initial phase, and best treatment strategies. And so researchers are looking out for new types of chemotherapy and different schedules and doses of current drugs. Several studies have shown that younger to middle-aged adults and adolescents benefit from the more intensive treatments often used for younger children with ALL.

Researchers are studying different antibodies directed against ALL cells, including rituximab, inotuzumab, ozogamicin, blinatumomab, and alemtuzumab (Campath). The researchers are looking at a new therapy known as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T-cell therapy) that uses the patient’s T-cells to attack the leukemia cells. Different ways to make stem cell transplantation safer and more accessible are also being studied. Researchers are studying other immunologic or molecular tests that can help find small amounts of ALL in patients in remission. Clinical trials are going on to find finer ways of lessening symptoms and side effects of ALL treatments to improve comfort and quality of life during treatment and into adulthood.

Advancement in Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Research

Doctors are learning more ways to prevent it, the best way to treat it, and give the best care to people diagnosed with ALL. The following research areas may comprise new alternatives for patients with the help of clinical trials. Hence, always talk with the doctor about the best diagnostic and treatment options.

New drugs and treatment regimens

Researchers are looking at the use of new types of chemotherapy and different schedules and doses of current drugs. The drug clofarabine has been approved for children having recurrent ALL and is being researched for adults with ALL ^​1​. The drug bortezomib (Velcade) is also being investigated as an option for adults with ALL. Additionally, several studies have shown that younger to middle-aged adults and adolescents benefit from the more intensive treatments often used for younger children with ALL.

Immunotherapy and targeted therapy

Immunotherapy also called biologic therapy, is designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. It uses materials formed by the body or in a laboratory to target, improve, or restore the function of the immune system. Researchers are studying the use of different antibodies directed against ALL cells, such as rituximab, inotuzumab, ozogamicin, blinatumomab, and alemtuzumab (Campath) ^​2​. Additionally, researchers are looking at a new therapy known as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T-cell therapy) that uses the patient’s T-cells to attack the leukemia cells.

Stem cell/bone marrow transplantation

Different ways to make stem cell transplantation safer and more accessible are also being studied.

Tests to detect the small quantity of ALL after treatment

Researchers are also studying other immunologic or molecular tests that can help find small amounts of ALL in patients in remission ^​3​. Then, a change in treatment can prevent the ALL from coming back.

Palliative care

Clinical trials are going on to find finer ways of lessening symptoms and side effects of ALL treatments to improve comfort and quality of life during treatment and into adulthood.

References