Precursor B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia is a form of lymphoid leukemia in which too many

B-cell B cells, also known as B lymphocytes, are a type of white blood cell of the lymphocyte subtype. They function in the humoral immunity component of the adaptive immune system. B cells produce antibody molecules which may be either secreted o ...

lymphoblasts (immature white blood cells) are found in the blood and

bone marrow Bone marrow is a semi-solid tissue found within the spongy (also known as cancellous) portions of bones. In birds and mammals, bone marrow is the primary site of new blood cell production (or haematopoiesis). It is composed of hematopoietic ce ...

. It is the most common type of

acute lymphoblastic leukemia Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the lymphoid line of blood cells characterized by the development of large numbers of immature lymphocytes. Symptoms may include feeling tired, pale skin color, fever, easy bleeding or bruisin ...

(ALL). It is sometimes additionally classified as a lymphoma, as designated ''leukemia/lymphoma''.

Subtypes

It consists of the following subtypes: * t(9;22)-BCR/ ABL * t(v;11q23)-MLL rearrangement * t(1;19)-E2A/PBX1 * t(12;21)-ETV/ CBFα
t(17;19)-E2A-HLF

Molecular Mechanisms

One interesting model of precursor B ALL shows aberrant function of a single gene, namely Pax5, as capable to change phenotype of B cells toward precursor cells.

Diagnosis

t(12;21)-ETV/ CBFα has a better prognosis as compared to other subtypes.

Treatment

References

External links

Precursor B-lymphoblastic leukemia
entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms Acute lymphocytic leukemia {{blood-disease-stub