Advances in the treatment of childhood leukemia: new therapies to improve cure rates
Abstract
Introduction: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent form of pediatric cancer, with a peak incidence between 2 and 5 years of age. Despite chemotherapy being the standard treatment, new therapies emerge as hope for refractory cases. Methodology: This study is a descriptive and exploratory literature review examining therapeutic advancements in pediatric ALL, focusing on the impact on cure rates and quality of life, analyzing scientific articles and guidelines from 2018 to 2025. Results and Discussion: New therapies such as CAR-T cells represent an innovative approach in refractory and relapsed cases, involving the genetic modification of the patient's T lymphocytes to recognize and eliminate leukemia cells expressing CD19. The CRISPR-Cas9 system, used for gene editing, has shown potential in personalized treatments, modulation of T cells, and investigation of molecular mechanisms in cancer. Nanotechnology has revolutionized cancer treatment by enabling the development of controlled drug delivery systems, improving therapeutic efficacy, and reducing adverse effects. In ALL, nanotechnology has been used to deliver chemotherapy agents and immunotherapies, as well as overcoming tumor resistance. Conclusion: The review highlights the progress in ALL treatment with CAR-T, CRISPR, and nanotechnology, improving survival and quality of life. However, the high cost and the need for long-term studies remain challenges.
Keywords: Pediatric Health; Leukemia; Immunotherapy; Gene Therapy; Nanotechnology; Pharmacological Treatment.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Fabricio Werner Brenneke Martins, Cassiana Marinho Melo, Nilian Alvez do Couto, Renato Pinheiro Conrado
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