Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) is a subtype of ALL with a specific change in the leukemia cells.
The change involves chromosomes, which carry genetic information in your cells. In Ph+ ALL, parts of chromosomes 9 and 22 switch places. This is called a translocation.
As a result, two genes called BCR and ABL join together and make a new gene called BCR-ABL. Because the leukemia cells have this chromosome change, the disease is called Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL, or Ph+ ALL.
Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive ALL Care Tailored to You
You and your family are our top priority. At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care — personalized to you. You'll have access to the latest treatment options, clinical trials and supportive care services.
How Ph+ ALL is Identified
Your care team will use your test results to learn more about your leukemia cells, including whether they have chromosome changes. Knowing whether you have Ph+ ALL helps your care team understand your disease and plan your treatment.
Learn more about ALL testing and diagnosis.
How Ph+ ALL is Treated
Treatment for ALL is different for each person although most people with ALL start with chemotherapy.
For people with Ph+ ALL, targeted therapy may also be part of treatment. Specifically, therapies called Abelson tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ABL TKIs) are used for Ph+ ALL. They block the leukemia-causing effects of the protein made by the BCR-ABL gene — an abnormal gene in the Philadelphia chromosome.
The targeted drugs used for Ph+ ALL are usually taken daily as pills. They include:
- Dasatinib
- Imatinib
- Nilotinib
- Ponatinib
Learn more about ALL treatment.