Stem Cell Treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Adults

Abstract

Stem cell therapy used to treat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in adults (ALL) has been one of the more promising uses of stem cells and has large implications on the survival rate of adults with ALL. While the survival rate of ALL remains relatively low at an estimated 20% to 30% in adults, stem cell as an adjunct therapy has shown promising results. Historically, ALL has a high rate of recurrence in adults and one study aims to assess the effectiveness of hematopoietic stem cell therapy in diminishing the rates of recurrence. Stem cell therapy for blood diseases is most found in the form of an allogeneic bone marrow transplant, which includes transplantation of HSCs from a donor. It can help to stimulate the body to produce healthy blood cells and thereby keep the disease at bay. The study concluded that HSCT increases the survival rate of adults with ALL and that it should be considered if a patient has a viable donor available. We see that multiple other studies come to similar conclusions, such as one study that found increased long-term disease-free survival can be achieved through stem cell therapy. A culmination of incredible research excites the idea of an extraordinary step forward in helping to cure those suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia and improve long-term, disease-free survival.