Low-risk relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and young adults: what have we learnt and what's next?

Teena Bhatla1, Stacy Cooper2, Laura E Hogan3

  • 1Children's Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel, Newark, NJ, USA.

Leukemia & Lymphoma
|June 11, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children remains challenging. This review focuses on improving outcomes for low-risk relapsed ALL by integrating immunotherapy with chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Hematology
  • Leukemia Research

Background:

  • Outcomes for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have improved, but 10-15% of children relapse.
  • Relapsed ALL presents a significant challenge, with 5-year survival rates between 35-60%.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current therapeutic strategies for low-risk (LR) relapsed ALL.
  • To explore the integration of immunotherapy with chemotherapy for improved survival in relapsed ALL.

Main Methods:

  • Review of contemporary therapeutic regimens for LR relapsed ALL.
  • Analysis of recently completed and ongoing clinical trials.
  • Identification of factors associated with favorable outcomes in relapsed ALL.

Main Results:

  • Factors for favorable outcomes in relapsed ALL include later relapse, B-cell phenotype, isolated extramedullary relapse, and good initial response.
  • Current research focuses on combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy to enhance survival.
  • Therapeutic strategies aim to improve outcomes while reducing toxicity.

Conclusions:

  • Optimizing treatment for LR relapsed ALL is crucial.
  • Integrating immunotherapy into treatment regimens holds promise for improving survival rates.
  • Ongoing trials are essential for advancing care in relapsed ALL.