[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adolescents and young adults: from the viewpoint of pediatricians]

Abstract

Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adolescents and young adults (AYA) generation are treated by both pediatricians and adult hematologists. Because their participation rate in clinical trials has been low, the treatment results have been unsatisfactory. However, with a recent widespread adaptation of pediatric-based regimen in adult ALL trials, their prognosis has dramatically improved. Moreover, their characteristic biology is being rapidly elucidated. For further improvement of AYA-ALL prognosis and quality of life, the collaboration between pediatricians and adult hematologists is essential and multidisciplinary approach is necessary.

Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); Adolescents and young adults (AYA); Minimal residual disease (MRD); Pediatric-based regimen.