New treatment approach boosts survival in young leukemia patients

Medical Xpress / South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute / HemaSphere ^ | Feb. 2, 2026 | Matthew Greenwood et al

[ConservativeMind]

A research collaboration has led to a major leap forward in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Recently published clinical trial results have shown evidence that switching part of the standard chemotherapy protocol for a targeted immunotherapy, can significantly improve outcomes for young people living with the disease.

The study enrolled 55 patients with ALL aged 15 to 39 who underwent treatment between 2019 and 2022.

During the study, the typical treatment regimen was altered so that one of the most intensive chemotherapy stages was replaced with blinatumomab, a drug that directs the immune system to hunt and destroy leukemia cells. The aim was to improve efficacy while minimizing toxicity.

Researchers discovered critical clues to the mutations that caused leukemia in these patients, and dissected how treatments work in this disease.

"The combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy was generally well tolerated and effective. After three years of follow up, nearly 89% of patients are still alive and cancer free," Prof White said.

"While chemotherapy is effective, it's very hard on young bodies. By using a targeted immunotherapy at the right time, we saw faster clearance of disease without adding extra strain for most patients."

Based on the mutations present in ALL cells, Prof White and her team were able to identify two groups of patients. One group with treatment responsive disease had 100% survival, versus the group with more resistant mutations, where survival was 80%.

"Many patients in this study had higher-risk genomic features that increases their likelihood of poor outcomes, yet most still responded remarkably well. That tells us this approach has real value, even in cases that are harder to treat," Prof White said.

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TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: leukemia

[ConservativeMind]

Replacing an intensive round of chemo with immunotherapy made for a better outcome in ALL survival.

[ConservativeMind]

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