Overview
Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer found in blood and bone marrow. Also called Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, ALL usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated.
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- Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Overview
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Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, also referred to as ALL, is a type of cancer in which your bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes shown here on the left bottom in purple. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell.
Normally, your bone marrow makes blood stem cells, also known as immature cells, that in time become mature blood cells. If you have ALL, too many stem cells become abnormal lymphoblasts, B lymphocytes, or T lymphocytes which are different types of leukemia cells. In addition, as the number of leukemia cells increase in your blood and bone marrow, there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets to exist.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health and confirm your diagnosis.
Tissue analysis is also typically done to identify certain biomarkers, including Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph), which is critical to finding the best treatment option for you. Ph+ is found in 25% of adults with ALL.
You will also require Bone Marrow Analysis and a sample of Spine Liquid to obtain more information about your diagnosis.
If your treatment team has not already performed tests to determine your cancer’s features, please ask your doctor when these tests will be performed.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-leukemia
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Commonly Searched Questions
What is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is also called Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. “Acute” means that the Leukemia can progress quickly, and if not treated, would probably be fatal within a few months. “Lymphocytic” means it develops from early (immature) forms of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
Source: www.cancer.org
What is the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) survival rate?
The average five-year survival in Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is 70.8%.
According to SEER data, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia has a survival rate of 70.8%. For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate for a specific stage of acute lymphocytic leukemia is 70.8%, it means that patients who have that cancer are, on average, about 70.8% as likely as patients who don’t have that cancer to live for at least 5 years after being diagnosed.
Source: Cancer.gov
What are the signs and symptoms of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?
The early signs and symptoms of ALL may be like the flu or other common diseases. These includes:
- Weakness or feeling tired.
- Fever or drenching night sweats.
- Easy bruising or bleeding.
- Petechiae (flat, pinpoint spots under the skin, caused by bleeding).
- Shortness of breath.
- Weight loss or loss of appetite.
Source: Cancer.gov
What are my treatment options for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?
There are four types of standard treatment are used:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy with stem cell transplant
- Targeted therapy
Source: www.cancer.gov
Are there any other factors that might affect my prognosis?
The prognosis and treatment options depend on the age of the patient, whether the cancer has spread to the brain or spinal cord, whether there are certain changes in the genes, including the Philadelphia chromosome, and whether the cancer has been treated before or has recurred (come back).
Source: www.cancer.gov
What are the tests used to diagnose Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?
The following tests and procedures can be used are:
- Complete blood count (CBC) with differential, blood chemistry studies
- Peripheral blood smear
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
- Cytogenetic analysis
Source: www.cancer.gov
