Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Past Experience and Future Therapy
https://doi.org/10.15690/pf.v23i2.3031
Abstract
Infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a rare and biologically unique form of hematologic malignancy occurring in children during the first year of life. It is characterized by an aggressive clinical course and unfavorable prognosis, particularly in the presence of KMT2A gene rearrangements. This article provides a review of current data on the clinical, immunological, and molecular-genetic features of B-cell precursor infant ALL. The mechanisms of epigenetic dysregulation and potential targets for targeted therapy are discussed in detail. The evolution of risk stratification approaches, the role of minimal residual disease, and the results of international collaborative studies aimed at improving treatment outcomes are reviewed. Particular attention is paid to the introduction of immunotherapeutic agents — blinatumomab and chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) — and their efficacy in disease control. The limited role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and current trends toward narrowing its indications are discussed. In conclusion, the importance of integrating genetic and dynamically changing laboratory parameters for treatment personalization is emphasized, and future perspectives for further improving outcomes in infants with this disease are outlined.
Keywords
Supporting agencies: Not specified.
About the Authors
Maria D. Efremova
N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation
Disclosure of interest:
Russian Federation
student
Moscow
Disclosure of interest:
Not declared.
Timur T. Valiev
N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology
Russian Federation
Disclosure of interest:
Russian Federation
MD, PhD
23, Kashirskoe shosse, Moscow, 115522
+7 (499) 444-24-24
Disclosure of interest:
Not declared.
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For citations:
Efremova M.D., Valiev T.T. Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Past Experience and Future Therapy. Pediatric pharmacology. 2026;23(2):72-80. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15690/pf.v23i2.3031
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