Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) plays an important role as the most potent therapeutic option for refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, advances of supporting therapy have enabled more intensive chemotherapy, and severe late complication of allo-HCT has been recognized, thus, indication of allo-HCT is now limited to carefully selected population with highest risk for relapse, based on assessment by minimal residual disease status. Furthermore, especially for B-cell precursor ALL, we should re-establish a role of allo-HCT in the entire of therapeutic strategy, including novel options, such as small molecular agents and immunotherapy. We are now required to maximize safety and efficacy of allo-HCT for selected high-risk ALL.
Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Hematopoietic cell transplantation; Immunotherapy; Minimal residual disease.