The identification of SYK as a master regulator of apoptosis controlling the activation of the PI3-K/AKT, NFκB, and STAT3 pathways (Figure 3), three major anti-apoptotic signaling pathways in B-lineage leukemia/lymphoma cells, prompts the hypothesis that rationally designed inhibitors targeting SYK may overcome the resistance of malignant B-lineage lymphoid cells to apoptosis and thereby provide the foundation for more effective multi-modality treatment regimens for poor prognosis B-lineage leukemia and lymphoma patients. Here, AKT1 is linked to lymphoma.