New genetics and diagnosis of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Over the last 50 years, while significant advances have been made in the successful treatment of childhood leukaemia, similar progress has been made in understanding the genetics of the disease. In childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP-ALL), the incidences of individual chromosomal abnormalities are well established and cytogenetics provides a reliable tool for risk stratification for treatment. In spite of this role, a number of patients will relapse. Increasing numbers of additional genetic changes, including deletions and mutations, are being discovered. Their associations with established cytogenetic subgroups and with each other remain unclear. Whether they have a link to outcome is the most important factor in terms of refinement of risk factors in relation to clinical trials. For a number of newly identified abnormalities, appropriately modified therapy has significantly improved outcome. Alternatively, some of these aberrations are providing novel molecular markers for targeted therapy.