Acute lymphocytic leukemia
Alternative names:
A.L.L.; acute childhood leukemia
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is remission of the cancer. A remission is achieved when the peripheral blood counts and the bone marrow are normal.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia is treated with a combination of anti-cancer drugs (chemotherapy). A hospitalization of three to six weeks may be necessary for initial (induction) chemotherapy, however, subsequent chemotherapy sessions may be administered on an outpatient basis. Additionally, isolation procedures may be necessary if the lymphocyte count is very low to prevent exposure to infectious agents.
Chemotherapy typically consists of a combination of 3 to 8 medications which may include: prednisone, vincristine, methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, and cyclophosphamide. It may also be necessary to administer blood products (e.g., packed red blood cells, platelets) to correct the anemia and low platelet count. Antibiotic therapy may be required to treat any secondary infections that develop.
After remission is achieved, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy is administered in the spinal column to treat any leukemic cells that may have invaded the spinal fluid.
Subsequent therapy is directed at preventing relapse. A bone marrow transplant after high-dose chemotherapy is a treatment option for cases that relapse or do not respond to other treatments. The usual cost of a bone marrow transplant ranges from $150,000 to $200,000.
Support group:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group and leukemia - support group.
Expectations (prognosis):
The probable outcome for children is better than for adults, with approximately 95% achieving complete remission and a cure rate of 50% to 60%. Eighty percent of adults achieve complete remission, with 30% to 50% being cured. Without treatment, the life expectancy is about 3 months.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of A.L.L. develop.
Call your health care provider if persistent fever or other signs of infection occur in a person with A.L.L.
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