Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Overview
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer where the body makes too many immature white blood cells. These cells crowd out healthy blood cells, making it hard for the body to fight infections, carry oxygen, or stop bleeding.
ALL can be classified into several types based on the specific characteristics of the cancer cells:
- B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL):The most common type, affecting B-cell lymphocytes.
- T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL):Affects T-cell lymphocytes and is less common than B-ALL.
- Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia: Exhibits characteristics of both B and T lymphocytes.
ALL can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in children, particularly those aged 2 to 5 years. It can also develop in older children, teenagers, and adults.
Common signs and symptoms
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained fevers
- Night sweats
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bone or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes, liver and spleen.
- Pallor
Diagnostic tests and procedures
- Complete blood count (CBC) can reveal abnormalities in blood cell levels indicative of leukemia.
- Peripheral blood smear to look for abnormal cells.
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy to check for cancerous cells .
- Further tests like flow cytometry and genetic tests to predict prognosis and choose the best treatment.
- Imaging like X-rays or CT scans.
Treatment options
Chemotherapy:
The primary treatment for ALL, using powerful medications to kill leukemia cells, typically administered in multiple phases.
Targeted therapy:
Some patients may benefit from drugs that specifically target genetic abnormalities in their leukemia cells.
Bone marrow transplant (BMT) in certain cases, especially for relapsed or high-risk ALL, to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor.
Supportive care including blood transfusions, antibiotics for infections, and other medications.
The Journey of Healing Starts Here
If you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, our expert hematology team is here to help. We provide comprehensive diagnostic services, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing support to ensure the best outcomes.
Prognosis
The prognosis for patients with ALL varies based on several factors. In children, the five-year survival rate can reach around 90% with appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Why choose Us
At our center, we provide high-standard care for ALL treatment, adhering to international standards. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools to accurately identify ALL subtypes and develop individualized treatment plans , ensuring that each patient receives the most effective and personalized care possible.
We have successfully incorporate Blinatumomab (Blincyto) into the treatment of ALL to enhance patient outcomes. This innovative therapy has shown promising results in improving survival rates and reducing relapse in ALL. Additionally, we offer bone marrow transplant (BMT) when indicated as part of our comprehensive approach to treatment.