Latest Research On Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Executive Summary

Several latest research studies are underway to seek more information on childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, related prevention methods, diagnostic process at the initial phase, and best treatment strategies. New methods for detecting small numbers of leukemia cells that are undetectable in a microscope are under research. These techniques are now also being used to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) after remission. Presently, researchers are studying the relationship between the biology of leukemia cells and these measurements.

Finding new ways to treat leukemia is an important area of research. Hence, new drugs to kill leukemia cells, like the antibody epratuzumab (LymphoCide), the T-cell-specific drug nelarabine (Arranon), and chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR T-cells) and the bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) antibody blinatumomab (Blincyto), and are being studied. Clinical trials are going on to find more acceptable ways of lessening symptoms and side effects of childhood cancer treatments to improve comfort and quality of life during treatment and into adulthood.

Advancement in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Research

Doctors are learning more about ALL, ways to prevent it, the best way to treat it, and, how to give the best care to children diagnosed with this disease. The following research areas may comprise new alternatives for patients with the help of clinical trials ^​1​. Therefore always talk with the child’s doctor about the best diagnostic and treatment options for your child.

Monitoring leukemia recurrence

New methods for detecting small numbers of leukemia cells that cannot be seen under a microscope have also been introduced. These techniques are now being used to particularly detect minimal residual disease (MRD) after remission ^​2​. There are times when measurements of MRD in bone marrow or blood samples will be used to determine the child’s risk level and treatment. Research is going on to determine the level of MRD, measured at a specific time point, that affects the recurrence rate. Presently, researchers are studying the relationship between the biology of leukemia cells and these measurements.

New treatments

Finding new ways to treat leukemia is an essential area of research. New drugs to kill leukemia cells, like the antibody epratuzumab (LymphoCide), the T-cell-specific drug nelarabine (Arranon), chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR T-cells), and the bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) antibody blinatumomab (Blincyto), and are being studied ^​3​. Furthermore, they can improve the cure rate for children with ALL in the future. Other new treatments – such as antibodies, new chemotherapy, and other biologically active treatments – are being studied with the hope that they will improve the cure rate or decrease the likelihood of side effects.

Palliative care/supportive care

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

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