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The Treatment of Adolescents and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

  • Acute Leukemias (F Ravandi, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Adolescents and young adult (AYA) patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 16–40 years of age, were historically not the focus of prospective studies on ALL treatment. This population has unique genetic, immunophenotypic, and clinical features, differing from both pediatric and older adult patients, with outcomes somewhere between these two populations. However, it has been suggested that outcomes (event-free and overall survival) for these patients are better when they are treated with pediatric-inspired therapeutic regimens. This has been attributed to increased dose and frequency of non-myelosuppressive therapy, earlier and more frequent central nervous system prophylaxis, and longer maintenance therapy. However, management by the treating oncologist and adherence by the patients are equally vital. Ultimately, the combination of improved treatment regimens and organizational management are required to improve outcomes of ALL in the AYA population.

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Conflict of Interest

Joshua Lukenbill declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Anjali S. Advani was a consultant for and received grants, honoraria, travel/accommodations, and payment for development of educational presentations from Immunomedics, Sigma Tau, EUSA, and Pfizer.

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  1. Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Cleveland Clinic, Taussig Cancer Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Joshua Lukenbill & Anjali S. Advani

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  1. Joshua Lukenbill
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  2. Anjali S. Advani
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Correspondence to Anjali S. Advani.

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Lukenbill, J., Advani, A.S. The Treatment of Adolescents and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 8, 91–97 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11899-013-0159-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11899-013-0159-0

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