Four categories of important factors improving outcome of young adults and older adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are biologic type, clinical trials, pediatric vs. adult treatment regimen, and psychosocial challenges. Overall, the outcome of ALL in the age group has improved and beginning to catch up with that in children, as exemplified by CALGB 10403, a pediatric treatment regimen. Each is dependent for optimum development, however, on progress in the others. Without adequate psychosocial support and improvement, progress in clinical trials, translational research, and pediatric regimen application is impaired. Without clinical trials, advances in translational research, optimal pediatric regimen application and adequate psychosocial research are restricted. Overall, we have improved the outcome and outlook of ALL in AYAs, as exemplified by CALGB 10403, but we and our current and future patients still have a long way to go.

Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Clinical trials; Incidence peak; Pediatric treatment regimen; Psychosocial care; Young adults.