This kind of research is being done to understand the changes in DNA of all patients. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is done to identify the death of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Doctors and researchers are working on how to determine whether patients with this disease will benefit from this research or not.

Via: http://atlasgeneticsoncology.org/Deep/MinResidDisID20007.html

Another interesting development is gene expression profiling. This technique helps in identifying the exact type of cancer which a patient might have. This means, in order to identify the kind of cancer a patient may undergo only one test. It ensures less money expenditure, pain and harassment for the patient. This test also helps in finding previously unknown changes to help guide researchers in developing new medicines and treatments.

Via: http://www.mayoclinic.org/acute-leukemia/clintrials.html

Clofarabine and cytarabine combo is used for treating young patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This study was done to define the overall response rate i.e., complete subsidence without platelet recovery. It also studied gene expression at the very first stage. In addition to this, it also helps in determining the time of recurrence. The entire procedure was carried out to to perform an FLT/ITD analysis to determine the prevalence as well as significance of this mutation and also to perform serial measurements and experiments to determine the exact result of this treatment.

Via: http://www.mayoclinic.org/acute-leukemia/clintrials.html

This research, which includes infusing methotrexate in the brain functions of young patients, was conducted to determine and test the neurpsychological function in kids with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (kids being treated with high doses of methotrexate in the absence of cranial radiation and nelarabine). Due to infusion of methotrexate, host polymorphisms are identified easily which can predict the increased risk of neurocognitive dysfunction or increased neurotoxicity in patients.

Via: http://www.mayoclinic.org/acute-leukemia/clintrials.html

The leukemia/myelodyplasia group has developed an investigational chemotherapy drug known as compound 506U78 (ARA-G). They have also developed bortezomib and combination chemotherapy especially to treat patients who are young and respond well to this combination. The objective of this research is to determine the level of toxicity of bortezomib which is administered during an intensive re-induction of chemotherapy. This kind of research is especially meant for patients who are diagnosed with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study also comes with a secondary objective of accessing minimal residual disease in bone marrow following completion of each block of re-induction chemotherapy.

Via: http://www.mayoclinic.org/acute-leukemia/research.html