Second or later relapsed B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Second Or Later Relapsed B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL): What You Need To Know
Second or later relapsed B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) is a type of cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called B-cells. B-cells help fight infections and produce antibodies specific to different types of infection. BCP-ALL affects a certain type of B-cell called a precursor B-cell. This type of cell is immature and further along in its development than a regular B-cell.
BCP-ALL is most common in children and adolescents but can also affect adults. It is treated with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and/or stem cell transplant. Around 50 percent of people with BCP-ALL achieve remission after treatment. However, some people have a recurrence of the disease even after successful treatment. This is known as a second or later relapsed BCP-ALL.
Second or later relapsed BCP-ALL can be difficult to treat. Treatment options depend on the type of relapse and the patient's overall health. Options may include:
- Intensive chemotherapy
- Biologic therapy such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapy
- Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI)
- Stem cell transplant
- Clinical trials
If the cancer recurs after chemotherapy, biologic therapy or stem cell transplant, a DLI may be an option. It involves using a donor's immune cells to fight the disease. DLI can help if the donor is a close match and the cancer has not spread too far. It may also be used if the patient has very few disease-causing cells left.
CAR T therapy can be used if the cancer has not responded to other treatments. It involves using genetically engineered cells to find and attack cancer cells. It is a relatively new form of therapy and may not be available in all parts of the world.
Stem cell transplant can be an option if the cancer has not responded to other treatments. Transplant is often done using a donor's stem cells. The donor could be a close relative or a person found through a registry. It is a highly specialized procedure and is only done in certain medical centers.
Second or later relapsed BCP-ALL can be difficult to treat, but there are many options available. It is important to work with a doctor to find the best treatment for each individual.