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Immunotherapy in pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Kirk D Wyatt1, Richard J Bram2
1Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, United States.
Human Immunology
|February 5, 2019
Summary
Advances in immunotherapy have created new options for treating relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in children. This review covers current and emerging immunotherapeutic strategies for this challenging leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) survival has improved, but relapsed/refractory cases remain a challenge.
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is an established immunotherapeutic approach for relapsed/refractory B-ALL.
- Novel immunotherapies are emerging as potential new standards of care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the immune system in childhood ALL.
- To provide an overview of current and upcoming immunotherapeutic treatment approaches for B-ALL.
- To familiarize researchers and oncologists with novel immunotherapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on immunotherapy for B-ALL.
- Discussion of the mechanism of action, side effects, and efficacy of immunotherapeutic agents.
- Analysis of the role of the human immune system in B-ALL treatment.
Main Results:
- Bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) therapy are FDA-approved options for relapsed/refractory B-ALL.
- Multiple immunotherapeutic agents are in the drug development pipeline.
- Immunotherapy offers promising new avenues for difficult-to-treat childhood leukemias.
Conclusions:
- Immunotherapy, including bispecific antibodies and CAR-T cells, represents a significant advancement in treating relapsed/refractory childhood B-ALL.
- Familiarity with these novel agents is crucial for oncologists and researchers.
- Further research and development in immunotherapy are expected to improve outcomes for pediatric leukemia patients.
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