Chronic myeloid leukemia in children: clinical findings, management, and unanswered questions

Abstract

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a rare disease in children. There is little evidence of biological differences between CML in children and adults, although host factors are different. Children develop distinct morbidities related to the off-target effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The goal of treatment in children should be cure rather than suppression of disease, which can be the treatment goal for many older adults. This article reviews data from the literature on the treatment of CML, discusses the issues that are unique to CML in children, and recommends management that takes these issues into consideration.

Keywords: BCR-ABL1; Chronic myeloid leukemia; Hematopoietic stem cell transplant; Tyrosine kinase inhibitor.