Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Treatment and Management Updates

Semin Oncol Nurs. 2019 Dec;35(6):150951. doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2019.150951. Epub 2019 Nov 20.

Abstract

Objective: To present an overview of novel therapies for the treatment of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia and to discuss nursing implications for these new therapies.

Data sources: Published manuscripts, Web sites, and pharmaceutical package inserts.

Conclusion: Several promising therapies have emerged in the treatment of relapsed/refractory and minimal residual disease acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Implications for nursing practice: With the changing paradigm for hematologic malignancies, nurses must remain current in their knowledge regarding novel therapies, including their administration, toxicity profile, and management of adverse events. This article addresses the clinical benefits of novel agents and nursing implications for those agents.

Keywords: CAR-T cell therapy; acute lymphoblastic leukemia; bispecific antibodies; blinatumumab; cytokine release syndrome; inotuzumab ozogamicin; novel therapies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Competence
  • Humans
  • Oncology Nursing / methods*
  • Practice Patterns, Nurses'*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / nursing*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents