How to Manage Philadelphia-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Resource-Constrained Settings

Simple Summary Remarkable strides have been performed in the treatment of adults diagnosed with Philadelphia-positive lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) through the integration of newer-generation tyrosine-kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that most medical centers worldwide lack access to these therapies. As a result, primary strategies employed for curing this disease continue to rely on a combination of chemotherapy and allogeneic stem-cell transplantation. Additionally, the scarcity of comprehensive literature makes it particularly challenging to provide straightforward treatment recommendations. In this narrative review, our aim is to offer a real-world perspective on the monitoring and management of Ph+ ALL patients, with an emphasis on less-resourced scenarios.Abstract Recent studies have indicated that more than half of adult patients newly diagnosed with Ph+ ALL can now achieve a cure. However, determining the most suitable protocol for less-resourced settings can be challenging. In these situations, we must consider the potential for treatment toxicity and limited access to newer agents and alloSCT facilities. Currently, it is advisable to use less intensive induction regimens for Ph+ ALL. These regimens can achieve high rates of complete remission while causing fewer induction deaths. For consolidation therapy, chemotherapy should remain relatively intensive, with careful monitoring of the BCR-ABL1 molecular transcript and minimal residual disease. AlloSCT may be considered, especially for patients who do not achieve complete molecular remission or have high-risk genetic abnormalities, such as IKZF1-plus. If there is a loss of molecular response, it is essential to screen patients for ABL mutations and, ideally, change the TKI therapy. The T315I mutation is the most common mechanism for disease resistance, being targetable to ponatinib. Blinatumomab, a bispecific antibody, has shown significant synergy with TKIs in treating this disease. It serves as an excellent salvage therapy, aside from achieving outstanding results when incorporated into the frontline.