There is a great deal of research being done in the area of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in children. Scientific studies and clinical trials are being conducted in laboratories and medical centers by a number of cancer specialists. Areas of research for ALL in children include:

• Targeted therapy. This type of treatment uses drugs specifically designed to attack cells that have the Philadelphia chromosome. This is a translocation mutation that is found in many ALL patients. A newer drug called imatinib has shown promise for treating patients with the Philadelphia chromosome. Clinical trials continue to study the effectiveness of this drug alone as well as in combination with chemotherapy for treating various forms of leukemia. 
  
  

  Researchers are studying two additional drugs that work as targeted therapies in ALL patients. These drugs, dasatinib and nilotinib, are being studied as treatment for ALL patients with the Philadelphia mutation. Clinical trials have suggested these drugs may be beneficial for patients who are intolerant or resistant to imatinib.
  

• Genetics. Scientists continue to research how changes in DNA can cause normal bone marrow cells to develop into abnormal leukemia cells. Advances in cytogenetics are helping researchers analyze chromosomal abnormalities to help with earlier detection and treatment.
  
  Research in genetics has lead to the development of a highly sensitive test known as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This test can identify one tumor cell among millions, based on DNA changes. Other techniques, such as gene expression profiling may help identify risk factors and plan targeted therapy.
  
  
• Chemotherapy drugs. Research continues to work on the development of new chemotherapy drugs and combinations that can provide the most effective treatment with fewer side effects. Scientists are also focusing on techniques to prevent or reverse leukemia cells from becoming resistant to drugs.
  
  
• Monoclonal antibodies. These proteins are developed in laboratories and are designed to attach to the surface of ALL cells. Radioactive chemicals or cell poisons can also be attached to the antibodies and transported to the leukemia cells in an approach known as radioummunotherapy. When the antibodies are injected into patients with leukemia, the antibodies either destroy the cells directly or allow the poison to kill the cells. There are several monoclonal antibodies being studied for the treatment of ALL.
  
  
• Stem cell transplantation. Research continues to study transplant techniques that can increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the complications from the procedure. Additionally, researchers are studying which patients benefit the most from bone marrow and stem cell transplants.