In recent years, standardized treatment based on the risk stratification has been applied to clinical diagnosis and treatment of leukemia, which significantly improves the remission rate of ALL. However, relapse after remission remains an important challenge for long term efficacy. Chromosomal karyotype analysis is often used clinically to study the genetic features of ALL. As leukemia-specific markers, the cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities can be used to evaluate prognosis and make an effective and optimal therapy. Furthermore, they are also used to track minimal residual disease. Therefore, the cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities may become a monitor and a new target for the treatment of leukemia. This review briefly introduces the structure and physiological function of B-ALL associated cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities, focusing on their prognostic effect on B-ALL.
