New strategies in the management of acute leukemias

The rapidly emerging knowledge of cytogenetics, cell surface markers, cytochemistry, electron microscopy and flow microspectrophotometry makes the objective identification of subsets of acute leukemia patients possible. These new classification schemes have revealed a unique biology and response to therapy for the different subsets. New regimens result in a significant cured fraction of patients. Identification of the potentially cured subsets of patients has become possible. Molecular genetics has the potential for further improving the assessment of residual disease and indications for both intensification and continuation treatments. These advances in knowledge bring the clinical scientist closer to the potential for prescribing specific therapy for individual patients.