Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia.

On a molecular and cellular level, Ph+ ALL seems to be a heterogeneous disease. Unfortunately, the unifying theme of Ph positivity is the poor outcome associated with its presence. Further characterization of molecular subtypes of Ph+ ALL may in the future distinguish those few patients with a potentially good outcome from the majority who face inevitable relapse. Also, novel targeted biologic therapy especially in combination with aggressive, early chemotherapy, may soon be able to temper the disease. Most patients who obtain a remission would be best served by transplantation during remission. For those without a donor, following the disease by PCR-based techniques may detect early relapse. For relapsed patients without the option of transplantation, investigative studies are appropriate.