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Kinase-Activating Alterations in Ph-Like ALL

J Clin Oncol; ePub 2016 Nov 21; Roberts, et al

Publish date:

The array of kinase-activating alterations in Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has important therapeutic implications, according to an evaluation involving nearly 800 individuals.

Investigators assessed the frequency of Ph-like ALL via gene expression profiling of participants, all of whom had B-cell ALL. They looked at event-free and overall survival in Ph-like ALL (n=194) vs non-Ph-like ALL (n=604) patients. Among the results:

  • 28% of young adults had Ph-like ALL; 20% of those 40 to 59 years of age and 24% of older adults had the Ph-like subtype.
  • Overall, 23% of patients with Ph-like ALL experienced 5-year event-free survival, compared with 43% of those with non-Ph-like ALL.
  • Kinase-activating alterations were seen in 88% of patients with Ph-like ALL.
  • 11 new kinase rearrangements were identified, including 4 involving new kinase or cytokine receptor genes and 7 involving new partners for previously identified genes.

Citation:

Roberts K, Gu Z, Payne-Turner D, et al. High frequency and poor outcome of Philadelphia chromosome-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults. [Published online ahead of print November 21, 2016]. J Clin Oncol. doi:JCO2016690073.

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