B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: recent discoveries in molecular pathology, their prognostic significance, and a review of the current classification

First published: 07 November 2021. OnlinePublAcute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) remains a leading cause of non-traumatic death in children, and the majority of adults diagnosed will succumb to the disease. Recent advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics have enabled more detailed genomic analysis and a better understanding of the molecular biology of ALL. A number of recurrent genomic drivers have recently been described, which not only aid in diagnosis and prognostication, but also may offer opportunities for specific therapeutic targeting. The present review summarises B-ALL genomic pathology at diagnosis, including lesions detectable using traditional cytogenetic methods as well as those detected only through advanced molecular techniques.David T. O. Yeung, Michael P. Osborn and Deborah L. Whit