Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Comprehensive care for ALL, including intensive chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Hematologic Malignancies
Overview
ALL is an aggressive leukemia requiring intensive, multi-phase treatment. Modern protocols achieve high cure rates, especially in children. Treatment includes induction, consolidation, maintenance, and central nervous system prophylaxis.
When to Consult
Upon diagnosis of ALL, abnormal blood counts, fatigue, bruising, bleeding, infections, bone pain, or suspicious blood test results.
What to Bring
CBC, peripheral smear, bone marrow biopsy, cytogenetic studies, FISH testing, molecular testing (BCR-ABL, Ph-like), flow cytometry, and lumbar puncture results.
Risk Factors
Causes
Treatment Options
Induction Chemotherapy
Intensive initial phase to achieve complete remission. Multi-drug regimens including vincristine, prednisone, asparaginase, daunorubicin. Typically 4-6 weeks. Goal is <5% blasts in bone marrow.
Consolidation/Intensification
High-dose chemotherapy to eliminate remaining leukemia cells. Multiple cycles with different drug combinations. Prevents relapse.
Maintenance Therapy
Lower-dose, long-term chemotherapy (typically 2-3 years) to prevent recurrence. Oral medications (6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate) with periodic IV treatments.
Central Nervous System Prophylaxis
Intrathecal chemotherapy (methotrexate, cytarabine) and/or cranial radiation to prevent CNS relapse. Critical component of ALL treatment.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
For high-risk or relapsed ALL. Donor stem cell transplant offers best chance for cure in high-risk patients. Requires HLA-matched donor.
Targeted Therapy
Imatinib, dasatinib, or ponatinib for Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL. CAR-T cell therapy (tisagenlecleucel) for relapsed B-cell ALL. Blinatumomab (BiTE) for relapsed disease.
Immunotherapy
Inotuzumab ozogamicin (antibody-drug conjugate) for relapsed ALL. Monoclonal antibodies targeting CD22. Effective for relapsed disease.
Supportive Care
Blood transfusions, platelet transfusions, growth factors, antibiotics, antifungal prophylaxis, and management of treatment complications.
Need Treatment?
Schedule a consultation to discuss treatment options for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia .