Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Flow Cytometry to Estimate Leukemia Stem Cells in Primary Acute Myeloid Leukemia and in Patient-derived-xenografts, at Diagnosis and Follow Up
Published on: March 26, 2018
Mixed phenotype acute leukemia
1Department of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
Objective:
To highlight the current understanding of mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL).
Data Sources:
We collected the relevant articles in PubMed (from 1985 to present), using the terms "mixed phenotype acute leukemia", "hybrid acute leukemia", "biphenotypic acute leukemia", and "mixed lineage leukemia". We also collected the relevant studies in WanFang Data base (from 2000 to present), using the terms "mixed phenotype acute leukemia" and "hybrid acute leukemia".
Study Selection:
We included all relevant studies concerning mixed phenotype acute leukemia in English and Chinese version, with no limitation of research design. The duplicated articles are excluded.
Results:
MPAL is a rare subgroup of acute leukemia which expresses the myeloid and lymphoid markers simultaneously. The clinical manifestations of MPAL are similar to other acute leukemias. The World Health Organization classification and the European Group for Immunological classification of Leukaemias 1998 criteria are most widely used. MPAL does not have a standard therapy regimen. Its treatment depends mostly on the patient's unique immunophenotypic and cytogenetic features, and also the experience of individual physician. The lack of effective treatment contributes to an undesirable prognosis.
Conclusion:
Our understanding about MPAL is still limited. The diagnostic criteria have not been unified. The treatment of MPAL remains to be investigated. The prognostic factor is largely unclear yet. A better diagnostic criteria and targeted therapeutics will improve the therapy effect and a subsequently better prognosis.
Insights
Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is rare, with unclear diagnostic criteria and treatment. Further research is needed for better diagnosis and targeted therapies to improve patient prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is a rare hematologic malignancy.
- MPAL is characterized by the co-expression of myeloid and lymphoid markers.
- Clinical presentation of MPAL often mimics other acute leukemias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the current understanding of MPAL.
- To highlight challenges in MPAL diagnosis and treatment.
- To identify areas for future research in MPAL.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed and WanFang Data base.
- Inclusion of English and Chinese studies from 1985 to present.
- Exclusion of duplicate articles.
Main Results:
- MPAL is a rare acute leukemia subtype with simultaneous myeloid and lymphoid markers.
- Current diagnostic criteria (WHO, EGIL 1998) are widely used but not unified.
- MPAL lacks a standard treatment regimen, with therapy tailored to individual features, leading to poor prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Current understanding of MPAL is limited.
- Unified diagnostic criteria and standardized treatment protocols are lacking.
- Further investigation into prognostic factors and targeted therapeutics is crucial for improving outcomes.
More Related Videos
08:31Murine Model of Leukemia Relapse to Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Published on: October 17, 2025
09:57Comprehensive Protocol to Sample and Process Bone Marrow for Measuring Measurable Residual Disease and Leukemic Stem Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Published on: March 5, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:21Lineage Commitment
01:15Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
01:27Disorders of Leukocytes
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune...