Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract

This review discusses the use of prognostic factors, patient and donor selection, choice of conditioning regimens, and timing of transplant. It also describes the management of Philadelphia-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and central nervous system disease. All aggressively treated adults with ALL should be considered for allogeneic transplantation and tissue typed at diagnosis. We further suggest that eligible patients be entered into clinical trials (that incorporate transplantation); these unselected prospective outcome data are essential to evaluate the true value of allogeneic transplantation in adults with ALL.

Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation; Pretransplant conditioning; Prognostic factors; Timing of transplant.