New Genetic Markers May Tailor Leukemia Treatment - OncologySTAT

New Genetic Markers May Tailor Leukemia Treatment - OncologySTAT


SAN DIEGO (EGMN) - "Novel genetic alterations have been identified in a new subtype of high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia that could be effectively targeted with existing therapies.
The subtype, termed Ph-like ALL, was first identified by the Children's Oncology Group in 2009 (N. Engl. J. Med. 2009;360:470-80), and accounts for up to 15% of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases.

"Until this study, the genetic basis of Ph-like ALL was unknown," said Kathryn G. Roberts, Ph.D., lead author of the cooperative research study.

Ph-like ALL is associated with alteration of lymphoid transcription factors, most commonly IKZF1, and has a gene expression profile similar to that of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) ALL. Ph+ ALL accounts for just 5% of pediatric ALL cases, but because it is driven by the oncogenic tyrosine kinase, BCR-ABL1, it can be effectively treated with available tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib (Gleevec).

Ph-like ALL, however, is BCR-ABL negative, so patients with this poor-outcome subtype are currently treated with conventional chemotherapy. Higher doses and intensified regimens are limited by toxicity."

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