Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Overview

Targeted Therapy Treatment

Some individuals with acute lymphoblastic leukemia will undergo targeted therapy treatment, which utilizes certain drugs that attack specific characteristics of the malignant cells. In some ALL patients, the Philadelphia chromosome is present in the cancerous leukemia cells. About one in every four individuals with ALL will have this chromosome present. This is an irregular chromosome that is made by the switching of genetic material between chromosomes 22 and 9. This mechanism creates a new gene that is called BCR-ABL. Cells with this BCR-ABL gene produce an abnormal protein that assists these cells with rapid growth. The drugs used in the targeted therapy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment are engineered to target the abnormal protein produced by the BCR-ABL gene. These drugs are called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, medications taken daily in the form of pills. In many cases, tyrosine kinase inhibitors are added to chemotherapy to increase the likelihood acute lymphoblastic leukemia will go into remission.

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Alternative Therapies And Clinical Trials

Alternative therapies and clinical trials are methods a patient may choose to pursue in the treatment of their case of ALL. Alternative therapies commonly include the use of herbs, special diets, acupuncture, massage, and vitamins. Clinical trials test new treatments and new drugs before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves them as standard treatments. Every new treatment regimen and drug undergoes a series of clinical trial phases before it can become part of standard acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy. Clinicians and researches carefully design and review their clinical trials to make sure they are as safe and scientifically accurate as possible. In some cases, participation in a carefully and attentively administered clinical trial may be the most beneficial therapy available for an individual affected by ALL. Clinical trials are available for patients in every phase of the disease. This includes patients with advanced acute lymphoblastic leukemia, patients who are newly diagnosed, and patients who are not responding well to other drugs or treatments.

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