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Genomic characterization of paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: an opportunity for precision medicine therapeutics
Author(s) -
Tasian Sarah K.,
Hunger Stephen P.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/bjh.14474
Subject(s) - epigenetics , precision medicine , medicine , risk stratification , somatic cell , oncology , bioinformatics , computational biology , biology , gene , genetics , pathology
Summary Major advances in genetic and epigenetic profiling of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia ( ALL ) have enhanced the understanding of key biological subsets of de novo and relapsed ALL , which has led to improved risk stratification of patients. These achievements have further defined critical leukaemia‐associated pathways and somatic alterations that may be preferentially sensitive to treatment with kinase inhibitors, epigenetic therapy or other novel agents. Therapeutic success in childhood ALL currently relies upon refined risk stratification of patients based on (i) underlying biological and clinical characteristics, and (ii) depth of initial treatment response with appropriate modulation of chemotherapy intensity. This review describes the current mutational landscape of childhood ALL and discusses opportunities for substantial improvements in survival with implementation of molecularly targeted therapies.