Therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have constantly been improving. Indeed, 35 years ago the survival rate for children was ~50%, whereas now it’s nearer to 85%. Here, Robin Foà , MD, of Sapeinza Univesity of Rome, Rome, Italy, gives an account of the improvements that have been made, both in terms of diagnosis and treatment, and speaks about the biology of the disease and how identification of the precise mutations can dramatically impact patient prognosis. Prof. Foa emphasizes the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and how they have revolutionized ALL treatment, before concluding his interview by mentioning some other topical areas of research to determine the most effective form of treatment. This interview was recorded at the 23rd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden
Advances in the treatment of ALL: how far have we come?
