[Gene expression profiles in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and adults]

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a heterogeneous group of white blood cell malignancies. Though a number of clinical and biological prognostic factors have been determined, the current patient stratification in this disease is still not satisfactory. Better knowledge and understanding of the biology of ALL is necessary for re-classification and risk-adapted therapy. Microarray technology, developed over last two decades, provides a potential for revolutionary changes in the diagnosis and monitoring of malignant diseases. Hundreds of genomic sequences can be analyzed in a single microarray experiment. A large amount of data have been obtained by microarray technology in hematological malignancies. Gene expression profiles based on this technology are currently being extensively studied in patients with ALL, and new data are being obtained in specific subgroups of patients. New markers based on gene expression might be identified and used to stratify patients and to individualize therapy. As the biology of ALL differs with respect to age, microarray technology can improve the determination of risk factors in each age group. This review presents the current status of knowledge on gene expression profiles in ALL in children and adults.