Update on Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma

Abstract

Lymphoblastic leukemias/lymphomas are predominantly diseases of childhood, where they represent almost all acute leukemias; however, they are also encountered with significant frequency in the adult population. These neoplastic processes can be of B-cell or T-cell derivation and are composed of immature precursors of either lineage. The classification of B-lymphoblastic neoplasms relies predominantly on genetic and molecular findings, whereas the same is not true for those of T-lymphoid origin. Many of these recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities have important prognostic and therapeutic implications.

Keywords: Lymphoblastic leukemia; Lymphoblastic lymphoma; Pediatric leukemia.