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Genetic targets in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Chandrika Gowda1, Sinisa Dovat
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology - Oncology, Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, Milton S Hershey Medical center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 5, 2013
Summary
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) arises from genetic mutations in blood cells. Genomic technologies reveal specific genetic targets for new ALL therapies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Cancer Genomics
- Hematology
Background:
- Acute leukemia is a significant childhood cancer, with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) comprising 80% of cases.
- Leukemia develops due to genetic lesions in hematopoietic progenitor cells during B and T cell differentiation.
- Subtypes of acute leukemia are classified by chromosomal abnormalities, translocations, and gene mutations, influencing clinical and prognostic features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss genetic mutations identified in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
- To explore genetic targets for ALL.
- To review current and emerging targeted therapies for ALL.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic mutations in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
- Analysis of high-throughput genomic technologies such as array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) and single nucleotide polymorphism microarrays (SNP arrays).
Main Results:
- High-throughput genomic technologies provide detailed insights into the genetic changes in ALL.
- Various genetic mutations have been identified in ALL subtypes.
- Specific genetic targets are being explored for therapeutic interventions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the genetic landscape of ALL is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Targeted therapies hold promise for improving outcomes in pediatric ALL.
- Ongoing research into genetic mutations and targets will advance ALL treatment strategies.
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