A pediatric B lineage leukemia with coincident MYC and MLL translocations

Translocations are key oncogenic events, and many rearrangements are characteristic for a specific malignancy. We present here a case of phenotypic precursor-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), subsequently found to have both MYC and MLL translocations. Owing to the potential prognostic impact of these translocations, a novel treatment strategy was applied which merged precursor-B ALL, Burkitt-ALL, and "MLL-adapted" rationales. With the advent of expanding diagnostic panels and molecular therapeutic options, use of such adapted therapies for individualized treatment will undoubtedly continue to increase as we move toward pharmacogenomic-based approaches.