In a nutshell
This study looked at new ways to treat adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Researchers found that new treatments including drugs that target the immune system are an effective way to treat ALL in adults.
Some background
ALL is a cancer of the bone marrow that affects both children and adults. It is often treated with drugs that target cancer cells and the immune system. Survival is close to 90% in children. However, for adults the prognosis in usually poorer. It is important to research treatments to improve outcomes for adults with ALL.
Methods & findings
Treatments used in children with ALL are currently being tested in adults.
Effectiveness of stem-cell transplant may be reduced in older adults by complications with surgery. Addition of drugs that target proteins on cancer cells (TKIs) has improved outcomes in adults. New ways to assess abnormal genes and drug effectiveness are also improving outcomes.
New and effective drugs that target the immune system have recently been developed. These include rituximab (Rituxan), blinatumomab (Blincyto), and inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa).
Another promising treatment for patients who do not respond (refractory) or relapse after treatments for ALL is immune therapy. This involves T cells (a type of immune cell) changed in the laboratory to attack cancer cells (CAR T-cell therapy).
The bottom line
The study reviewed new and promising treatment options for adults with ALL.
Published By :
Journal of clinical oncology
Date :
Sep 21, 2018
