Biological Markers of High-Risk Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Simple Summary Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has seen significant advances in treatment, yet children classified as high-risk still face challenging outcomes. Traditionally, the severity of ALL was assessed using basic clinical information at diagnosis, but now a deeper understanding of specific biological markers-such as molecular profiles, genetic variations, and immune system characteristics-has become crucial. These markers are not just keys to understanding the disease's mechanisms, but also indicators of how it may progress and respond to treatment. For instance, the development of drugs like tyrosine kinase inhibitors can be used to target high-risk leukemia with certain genetic mutations. By focusing on the intricacies of high-risk childhood ALL, research is paving the way for more personalized and precise treatments, offering hope for better management of this complex disease.Abstract Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has witnessed substantial improvements in prognosis; however, a subset of patients classified as high-risk continues to face higher rates of relapse and increased mortality. While the National Cancer Institute (NCI) criteria have traditionally guided risk stratification based on initial clinical information, recent advances highlight the pivotal role of biological markers in shaping the prognosis of childhood ALL. This review delves into the emerging understanding of high-risk childhood ALL, focusing on molecular, cytogenetic, and immunophenotypic markers. These markers not only contribute to unraveling the underlying mechanisms of the disease, but also shed light on specific clinical patterns that dictate prognosis. The paradigm shift in treatment strategies, exemplified by the success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia, underscores the importance of recognizing and targeting precise risk factors. Through a comprehensive exploration of high-risk childhood ALL characteristics, this review aims to enhance our comprehension of the disease, offering insights into its molecular landscape and clinical intricacies in the hope of contributing to future targeted and tailored therapies.