Translocation t(1;19)(q23;p13) in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia–a distinct subtype with favorable prognosis

The recurring translocation t(1;19) (q23;p13) with TCF3-PBX1 rearrangements are uncommon in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and their prognostic impact remains to be described in the era of modern chemotherapies. We investigated 427 adult patients with newly diagnosed pre-B ALL, 16 (4%) had t(1;19)(q23;p13) at diagnosis. All 16 patients achieved complete remission after induction with intensive chemotherapy, and with a median of 7-year follow-up, 2 relapsed. The 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse and overall survival rates were 14% and 82%, respectively. Our analysis showed that adult patients with t(1;19)(q23;p13) positive ALL had favorable prognosis with intensive chemotherapy regimens.