Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Research & Clinical Trials
Discover the latest research and treatment advances for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Explore active clinical trials, CAR-T cell therapy studies, precision medicine approaches, and novel treatments for both pediatric and adult ALL patients.
Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes. It's the most common childhood cancer, though it also affects adults. ALL progresses rapidly if not treated, making early detection and effective treatment critical.
Types of ALL
- B-cell ALL: Most common type, affects B-lymphocytes
- T-cell ALL: Affects T-lymphocytes, generally more aggressive
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL: Specific genetic subtype requiring targeted therapy
Treatment Advances
ALL treatment has seen remarkable advances. Pediatric ALL cure rates have improved from less than 10% in the 1960s to over 90% today. Recent breakthroughs include CAR-T cell therapy for relapsed patients, precision medicine approaches, and reduced-intensity chemotherapy protocols that maintain high cure rates while reducing long-term side effects.
Active ALL Research Projects
Venetoclax and Navitoclax in Combination with Chemotherapy in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Vinod A Pullarkat
Institution: City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Location
Duarte, California
Timeline
Start: January 2020
Completion: December 2023
NUDT21 limits CD19 levels through alternative mRNA polyadenylation in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Matthew T Witkowski
Institution: UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Location
San Francisco, California
Timeline
Start: January 2021
Completion: December 2024
Advances in the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Madelyn Burkart
Institution: Lurie Children's Hospital
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Timeline
Start: January 2023
Completion: December 2026
Long-Term Outcomes of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant with Fludarabine and Melphalan Conditioning and Tacrolimus/Sirolimus as Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis in Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Matthew Mei
Institution: City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Location
Duarte, California
Timeline
Start: January 2019
Completion: December 2022
Current Treatment Approaches for ALL
Chemotherapy Protocols
Modern ALL treatment uses multi-drug chemotherapy regimens tailored to risk level. Recent research focuses on reducing intensity while maintaining high cure rates, particularly important for minimizing long-term side effects in pediatric patients.
CAR-T Cell Therapy
CAR-T cell therapy has revolutionized treatment for relapsed ALL, achieving complete remission in 80-90% of patients who had failed standard treatment. Research continues to improve CAR-T designs and expand availability.
Targeted Therapy
Precision medicine approaches use genetic testing to identify targetable mutations. Drugs like imatinib for Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL demonstrate the power of targeted approaches.
Stem Cell Transplantation
For high-risk or relapsed patients, stem cell transplantation remains an important treatment option. Research focuses on improving outcomes and reducing complications.
Learn More About ALL Treatment
Explore resources for understanding and navigating ALL treatment options.