Philadelphia chromosome-positive or Philadelphia chromosome-like B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with multilineage involvement in pediatric patients: a report of two cases and literature review

Based on driver mutations and gene expression profiles, the International Consensus Classification currently divided the entity ‘Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph + ) B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)’ into two subtypes: lymphoid-only and multilineage involvement (Ph + ALL-L and -M, respectively). The similar biological characteristics of Ph-like ALL and Ph + ALL drove us to assume that Ph-like ALL-M subtypes exist. This report presents two pediatric ALL cases (one Ph + and one Ph-like) with minimal residual disease negativity established by multicolor flow cytometry but persistent transcript detection by quantitative PCR (qPCR) even after second-line treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors combined with blinatumomab immunotherapy. Using droplet digital PCR, BCR::ABL1 or TPM3::PDGFRB transcripts were identified in CD19 + cells as well as in non-CD19 + cells, suggesting the presence of a Ph + or Ph -like ALL-M subtype originating from hematopoietic stem cells. This report provides information for better characterization, diagnosis, and treatment of these ALL subtypes.