Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic (or lymphocytic) leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. These lymphocytes (also called leukemia cells) are not able to fight infections very well, and when there are too many it means there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. In addition to ALL, the increase of lymphocytes can lead to infection, anemia, and easy bleeding.

Some 6,100 adults, adolescents, and children in the United States are estimated to be diagnosed with ALL and 1,400 are estimated to die of the disease in 2025, according to the National Cancer Institute. The five-year relative survival after diagnosis is 72.6%.

ALL is most frequently diagnosed among people under the age of 20. The median age at diagnosis is 17. Risk factors for developing ALL include having received previous chemotherapy, exposure to high levels of radiation, and having certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome.

Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)

Source: National Cancer Institute