[Molecular mechanisms of pediatric intractable leukemia]

Recent advances in intensive treatment strategies have resulted in an overall treatment rate of approximately 70% for pediatric cancers. The most notable improvement in clinical outcomes has been observed for acute lymphocytic leukemia, with the cure rate increasing from approximately 10% 50 years ago to 90% at present. However, relapsed and refractory cases of childhood leukemia continue to have a poor prognosis, and there is no standard treatment strategy for many cases. Moreover, even in cases with favorable outcomes, growth retardation and endocrine disorders are major complications. To improve the cure rate of pediatric cancers, we have focused on the molecular mechanisms of leukemia, the most common type of pediatric cancer. In this symposium, recent findings on T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia will be outlined.