Novel Therapies in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Abstract

Purpose of review: Treatment options for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) beyond standard chemotherapy have grown significantly in recent years. In this review, we highlight new targeted therapies in ALL, with an emphasis on immunotherapy.

Recent findings: Major advances include antibody-based therapies, such as naked monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific T cell engaging (BiTE) antibodies, as well as adoptive cellular therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Apart from the above immunotherapeutic approaches, other targeted therapies are being employed in Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) ALL, Philadelphia-like (Ph-like) ALL, and T cell ALL. These new treatment strategies are changing the treatment landscape of ALL and challenging the current standard of care. Clinical trials will hopefully help determine how to best incorporate these novel therapies into existing treatment algorithms.

Keywords: ALL; Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Adult; Immunotherapy; Relapsed/refractory; Treatment.