Title:An Overview of Conventional Drugs and Nanotherapeutic Options for the Treatment
and Management of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Volume: 22
Issue: 18
Author(s): Andre Yohan, Christopher Jacques, Tafaswa Fletcher, Thanaphorn Suk-in and Robert B. Campbell*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, MCPHS University, 19 Foster Street, Worcester, MA 01608, USA
Keywords:
Cancer therapy, drug resistance, nanomedicine, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, pediatric, relapse.
Abstract:
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common form of pediatric cancer affecting the lymphoblast, a
type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. In this disease, the normal lymphoblast cells transform into leukemic
cells and subsequently enter the bloodstream. Leukemic cells found in patients with ALL have shown differences
in cholesterol uptake and utilization. Current treatment consists of chemotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)
therapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In addition, minimal residual disease (MRD) has become
an effective tool for measuring treatment efficacy and the potential for relapse.
Chemotherapy resistance remains a significant barrier in the treatment of ALL. Biomarkers such as an upregulated Akt
signaling pathway and an overexpressed VLA-4 integrin-protein have been associated with drug resistance. Nanoparticles
have been used to favorably alter the pharmacokinetic profile of conventional drug agents. These drug-delivery
systems are designed to selectively deliver their drug payloads to desired targets. Therefore, nanoparticles offer advantages
such as improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.
This review highlights conventional treatment options, distinctive characteristics of pediatric ALL, therapeutic challenges
encountered during therapy, and the key role that nanotherapeutics play in the treatment of ALL.