Evaluation of Targeted Therapies for the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients.

Abstract

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most common neoplasms in children and adolescents, accounting for one-third of pediatric cancer cases. Its severity necessitates early diagnosis and effective treatment. ALL arises from genetic mutations that disrupt normal cell development, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of immature lymphoblasts in the bone marrow. Traditionally, the initial treatment involves chemotherapy with multiple drugs, although this approach causes side effects by affecting healthy cells. Another treatment option is stem cell transplantation, which, despite its promise, presents risks such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In recent years, the development of targeted therapies, particularly for advanced cases, has provided new hope. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of these new therapies with conventional treatments for ALL in young patients. This research is based on an integrative review conducted between February and September 2024, analyzing publications from 2019 to 2024 in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The review revealed that while chemotherapy remains widely used, T-cell immunotherapy is emerging as a promising alternative despite challenges such as side effects and high production costs. It is anticipated that this innovation will become more accessible, though it is crucial to balance expectations with a clear understanding of the associated risks and benefits.