Journal-based CME Course: Management of Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia – A Review

Activity ID

14268

Expires

May 1, 2028

Format Type

Journal-based

CME Credit

1

Fee

30

CME Provider: JAMA Oncology

Description of CME Course

Importance  Research in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is translating into rapid changes in therapy and outcomes. Historically, adult ALL was treated with intensive chemotherapy extending over 2.5 to 3 years. This established tradition, accepted because of the high cure rates in childhood ALL, has been challenged by the development of highly active targeted therapies.

Observation  Treatment modalities, combined with less and shorter chemotherapy durations, have produced better results than chemotherapy. The novel therapies include using the more potent BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (eg, ponatinib, dasatinib) with the bispecific CD3-CD19 T-cell engager antibody blinatumomab in Philadelphia chromosome–positive ALL and combining blinatumomab and/or inotuzumab (CD22 antibody drug conjugate) with standard chemotherapy in B-cell ALL. These have been associated with improved 4-year survival rates of 85% to 90% in Philadelphia chromosome–positive ALL and 80% to 85% in B-cell ALL.

Conclusions and Relevance  The management of ALL is changing rapidly. Investigators have evaluated frontline and later-line regimens with combinations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapies with less or no chemotherapy. Future research will evaluate CD19, CD20, and CD22 multitargeting antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, new antibody formulations, and less intensive/shorter regimens.

Disclaimers

1. This activity is accredited by the American Medical Association.
2. This activity is free to AMA members.

Register for this Activity