HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Citation Map Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via CrossRef Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Thomas, D. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Thomas, D. A. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Philadelphia Chromosome–Positive Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia: A New Era of Challenges

Correspondence: Deborah Thomas, MD, M.D. Anderson Cancer Ctr., 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 428, Houston, TX 77030-1402; phone (713) 745-4616; fax (713) 794-4297; debthomas{at}mdanderson.org

Abstract

Significant advances in the treatment of Philadelephia chromosome (Ph)– or BCR-ABL–positive acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) have been made since the discovery of the selective ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Whereas the outcome with standard chemotherapy was previously dismal, incorporation of imatinib mesylate into frontline therapy has improved relapse-free and overall survival. The benefit of imatinib extends particularly to instances where allogeneic stem cell transplantation in first complete remission is prohibited by older age, comorbidities, or lack of a suitable donor. However, the emergence of resistance to imatinib presents new therapeutic challenges. The development of novel TKIs with enhanced inhibitory potency against ABL and other kinases may further improve on the results observed with imatinib. Optimal use of these novel agents in the treatment schema of Ph⁺ ALL will be paramount in ensuring continued success in the eradication of this disease. Herein, the new approaches to the management of Ph⁺ ALL are reviewed.

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?