Recent advances in the treatment of acute leukemia: 1999.

Overview

This review briefly summarizes literature noteworthy in the field of adult acute leukemia published during 1999. The relationship between specific cytogenetic abnormalities and response to treatment was explored within a clinical framework. In particular, detailed analyses of the abnormalities seen in acute promyelocytic leukemia were examined. Two case reports of special interest were published: one shed light on the role of histone deacetylase inhibitors in combination with all-trans retinoic acid, and the other, on the role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in this disease. The clinical activity of arsenic was also reported and its mechanism of action explored. In acute lymphoblastic leukemia, attention was focused on occult translocations, and the importance of minimal residual disease was again emphasized. Lastly, results of early clinical trials using an anti-CD19 antibody were reported, with provocative results.