Which treatment is better for mixed phenotype acute leukemia?

This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis (a review of all available and relevant research on a certain topic) on the best treatment of mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL). Researchers determined that treatment used for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) was linked with better outcomes than treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) when treating MPAL.

Acute leukemia is a type of bone marrow cancer that affects the white blood cells of the immune system. AL may affect different types of white blood cells (lymphocytes/myelocytes) depending on the specific type of leukemia. Mixed phenotype acute leukemia is a rare type which has features of both AML and ALL. Treatment is often based on the type of leukemia. It is important to research which treatment works best for MPAL.

This analysis examined 97 studies including 1351 patients in 33 countries.

73.9% of patients receiving treatment initially used in ALL (induction) achieved complete remission (CR – improving disease and stopping progression). Induction treatment used in ALL was 67% more likely to reach CR than treatment used in AML when treating MPAL. Treatment with ALL had a 55% increased chance of overall survival than AML treatment. Children with MPAL were twice as likely to begin with ALL therapy than adult patients.

The study concluded that treatment used in acute lymphocytic leukemia was more effective than treatment used in acute myeloid leukemia for the treatment of mixed phenotype acute leukemia.

There is limited research available on the treatment of mixed phenotype acute leukaemia.

Discuss with your doctor about using treatment for ALL if you have been diagnosed with MPAL.