Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: past and present

Czech version

Authors: C. Šálek; D. Šponerová; J. Soukupová Maaloufová
Authors‘ workplace: Ústav hematologie a krevní transfuze Praha, ředitel prof. MUDr. Marek Trněný, CSc.
Published in: Vnitř Lék 2012; 58(Suppl 2): 20-26
Category:

Overview

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a rare neoplasm in adults. Its treatment has seen dynamic developments ranging from the discovery of first compounds with cytostatic effect through to the introduction of multicomponent chemotherapy, incorporation of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation into postconsolidation therapy as well as dose intensity adjustment according to defined risk groups. The basic therapeutical principle of present treatment strategies is an individualised approach. Modern protocols build on the prognostic significance of minimal residual disease and incorporate new drugs such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies or new forms of non-genotoxic drugs, for specific ALL subgroups. Long-term survival has significantly improved from < 1% 60 years ago to ~ 40% at present.

Key words:
acute lymphoblastic leukemia – risk factors – minimal residual disease – therapy – hematopoetic stem cell transplantation – history of UHKT

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