Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer with a cure rate of approximately 80%. However, despite the generally favorable outcome of ALL treatment, some children relapse or experience severe treatment side effects. Recent research efforts have focused on understanding the patient genetic characteristics that underlie treatment response. To date, several studies have demonstrated that polymorphic genetic variation in genes in the folic acid cycle are associated with altered risks of ALL relapse or treatment toxicity. This chapter summarizes and reviews these results with a particular focus on the methylene tetrahydrofolate and thymidylate synthase genes. While providing intriguing data that germline genetic variation may determine ALL treatment response, adequately powered prospective trials are necessary to translate these findings into clinical practice.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
