Research Progress on Ph-like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia--Review

Abstract

Ph-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a high-risk subtype of precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) with a gene expression profile and a high frequency of IKZF1 gene alteration similar to that of Ph-positive ALL, which is a clinically and biologically heterogeneous subtype of BCP-ALL. The prognosis correlats negatively with age increasing. The incidence of this "Ph-like" subtype may be higher in young adults. Ph-like ALL is characterized by genetic alterations that activate cytokine receptor genes and kinase signaling pathways. Prospective studies are needed to determine if incorporation of tyrosine kinase inhibitor-targeting kinase alterations into intensive chemotherapy regimens will improve outcome of patients with Ph-like ALL. The research progress of Ph-like ALL is summarised in this review, including epidemiology, genetic alterations and treatment..