Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia or ALL, is a type of cancer that is really a group of related diseases. The specific subtype of leukemia that a patient has determines the types of treatment given, and the prognosis outlook. Use this Web guide to learn more about ALL, including diagnosis and treatment options, and where to find support.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that starts when too many white blood cells ... read more »
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Diagnosis and Treatment
ALL, depending on how it has progressed, can be treated in a number of ways. In adults, a two-stage treatment is applied: first kill the leukemia cells, and then kill any remaining leukemia cells to keep the cancer in remission. For children, a third stage of treatment is recommended: maintenance therapy consists of lower-dose medications after the first two stages to keep the cancer at bay. Learn more about conventional and experimental treatments using the sites below.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Although cancer in children is rare, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia is the most commonly diagnosed type of leukemia in children. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the prognosis, on average, is very good.
- For more insight on the prognosis of ALL treatment in children, read an essay written by the mother of a child with ALL on the Pediatric Oncology Resource Center Web site.
Dulcinea's Picks
For diagnosis …
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
briefly describes how doctors diagnose acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.
The American Cancer Society
has a more in-depth discussion of what symptoms may lead doctors to suspect someone has ALL, and then describes the different types of tests used to diagnose it.
A.D.A.M.’s Health Illustrated Encyclopedia
explains what happens during a bone marrow aspiration and a bone marrow biopsy, two of the methods commonly used to diagnose ALL.
For treating children with ALL …
The National Cancer Institute
explains how ALL is treated in children. Use the links near the top of the page to skip to topics of interest, or scroll through the detailed article.
For treating adults with ALL …
The National Cancer Institute
has a page that explains how ALL is generally treated in adults. The article is very thorough and uses links near the top of the page to highlight treatment options and phases.
For clinical trials …
ClinicalTrials.gov
is a clearinghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health that lists clinical trials currently underway to research ALL. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Support
The Web is a great place to connect with others who have been touched by ALL. Sharing stories and ... read more »
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
