Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia - An Overview

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disorder resulting from the clonal proliferation of lymphoid precursors with arrested maturation. Specific chromosomal translocations in ALL include mainly, the classical t (8; 14) in B-cell ALL, t (4; 11) in infant leukemia and t (9; 22) translocation (that forms the Philadelphia chromosome). Genome-wide profiling using microarrays, candidate gene, and second generation sequencing have provided a number of key insights into the genetic basis of ALL. Treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia typically consists of a remission-induction phase, an intensification (or consolidation) phase, and continuation therapy to eliminate residual disease. Allogeneic haemopoietic stem-cell transplantation is the most intensive form of treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia as it clearly benefits several subgroups of patients with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Although relatively homogeneous at the morphologic and immunophenotypic level, ALL encompasses a family of extremely heterogeneous disorders when examined at the genetic level. More insights are needed to further improve the treatment outcome of patients with ALL.