Treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract

The use of imatinib, as part of front-line treatment and in combination with cytotoxic agents, has greatly improved the proportions of complete response and molecular remission, and overall outcome in adults with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome acute lymphoblastic leukemia. New challenges have emerged with respect to induction of resistance to imatinib via ABL mutations. Several novel kinase inhibitors with significantly more potent anti-leukemic activity than imatinib are currently being developed.