Many targeted therapies are in various phases of research, trials, and approval. Some examples include:
- Monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies are synthesized to recognize a membrane target expressed by the leukemic cells, thus lessening the side effects often seen with standard chemotherapies. A common target for ALL is the CD22 membrane marker. The monoclonal antibody is conjugated with some toxin or enzyme inhibitor, thus delivering it directly to the leukemic cells.
- Proteosome inhibitors. Proteosomes are the large protein complexes in cells that degrade unneeded or excess proteins. By inhibiting this action, proteins build up in the cell and will eventually kill it.
- JAK inhibitors. A signaling pathway in cells known as the JAK/STAT pathway allows leukemic cells to bypass normal growth and proliferation restrictions. By inhibiting this bypass, the cells will stop proliferating and may mature.
