Pharmacologic considerations in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Great strides have been made in the chemotherapy of childhood ALL over the past three decades. Principles and concepts learned from early successes in treating this disease subsequently have been applied to the treatment of other pediatric cancers and adult malignancies. Because of the prominent role of chemotherapy in the treatment of ALL, a clear understanding of the clinical pharmacology of the antileukemic drugs is essential. This article reviews issues relating to the clinical pharmacology of the anticancer drugs that are commonly used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.