Leukemias
Philadelphia-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL is usually a B-lineage acute leukemia containing the BCR::ABL1 fusion. The fusion makes an overactive growth-signaling enzyme, so treatment includes medicines directed at that target.
Other names and abbreviations
Ph+ B-ALL · BCR-ABL1 B-ALL · Ph-positive ALL · acute lymphoblastic leukemia · Ph+ ALL · ALL · Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-ALL · B acute lymphoblastic leukemia with BCR::ABL1 fusion · B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma with t(9;22)
Where transplant fits
Allogeneic transplantation remains important for selected patients, but it is no longer accurate to say every person must receive it in first remission. Deep molecular responses to modern TKI and immunotherapy combinations can change the balance. The team considers response, risk, prior treatment and donor options.
Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, disease stage, prior treatment and the person’s health. These categories are not estimates of donor demand.
Treatment at a glance
- Who it affects
- BCR::ABL1-positive ALL occurs in children and adults and becomes more frequent among ALL diagnoses with increasing age.
- Other treatment options
- A BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor is combined with an age- and fitness-appropriate ALL regimen, increasingly including immunotherapy such as blinatumomab. CNS-directed treatment and molecular response monitoring remain important. Relapsed disease may have additional targeted or cellular options.
- Cells used for transplantation
- Donated blood-forming cells for allogeneic transplantation. Marrow, peripheral blood or cord blood and donor type are selected for the patient and transplant approach.
Questions to bring to your care team
What is the exact diagnosis or subtype? What is the goal of each treatment option? If transplant is being considered, why does it fit this situation, which cells would be used and what are the alternatives?
Sources and further reading
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ), Health Professional Version
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Adults
EBMT Handbook / NCBI Bookshelf · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ), Health Professional Version
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05 - WHO fifth-edition classification: Lymphoid Neoplasms
WHO classification authors / Leukemia · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Indications for haematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR-T: 2025 EBMT practice recommendations
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Donor and cord blood unit selection guidelines
NMDP / CIBMTR · Accessed 2026-09-05
Understanding can become action.
Some patients need a blood stem cell donor. Others receive different treatment. Wherever your interest began, you can help JBF reach more people who may be able to donate.
Explore the official registry serving where you live. It explains who can join, how registration works and what donation involves.
Find your official registryIf joining is not right for you, a gift to the Jada Bascom Foundation supports education, outreach and referrals to official registries.
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