Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): Symptoms, causes, and treatment Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What is acute lymphoblastic leukemia ALL Medically reviewed by Julie Scott, DNP, ANP-BC, AOCNP — By Yvette Brazier — Updated on July 6, 2022Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia, is a type of blood cancer that can affect children and adults. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is most common among children under 5 years of age, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The risk reduces until a person is in their mid-20s and then rises again after the age of 50 years. About 60% of diagnoses are in children. The ACS predicts that close to 6,660 people will receive a diagnosis of ALL in 2022, and about 1,560 people will die from the condition. ALL is more likely to be fatal in adults than in children. Symptoms Share on PinterestGetty ImagesLeukemia happens when the body produces too many immature white blood cells, or blast cells. In the case of ALL, it produces too many lymphoblasts or lymphocytes. These become leukemia cells. As the concentration of these blast cells increases in the bone marrow and the blood, they crowd out the healthy cells that enable the body to function. As the numbers of red blood cells and platelets fall, symptoms start to appear. They usually start slowly but grow increasingly more severe as the concentration of blast cells rises in the blood. The symptoms may include:excessive sweatinga feverfatiguedizzinesseasy bruising or frequent bleeding, such as nosebleedsdifficulty breathingpainful joints, bones, or bothfrequent infectionsswollen lymph nodespale skinreduced appetite and weight losspurpura and petechiae, which are small spots or patches that appear where bleeding occurs under the skin Purpura and petechiae appear red or purple on light skin. On dark skin, they may be harder to see, but they will likely be visible on lighter areas, such as the palms of the hands or inside the mouth. As ALL progresses, it can affect other organs. If it reaches the liver and spleen, there may be abdominal swelling and discomfort. If the disease starts to affect the brain and spinal cord, the person may experience headaches, weakness, and other symptoms. What does a leukemia rash look like? Progression Leukemia can be chronic or acute. Chronic leukemia develops slowly. As it grows, it allows the body to produce more mature, useful cells. ALL is an acute leukemia. Acute leukemia develops rapidly. It quickly crowds out the good cells, leaving less room for healthy cells. As immature, useless blast cells accumulate in the marrow and blood, it becomes harder for the body to function properly. Causes and risk factors Doctors do not know exactly why ALL happens, but there are some common risk factors. These include:age, as it is more common in children and in adults aged over 50 yearssome genetic factors and conditions, including Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, and Klinefelter syndromeexposure to radiation, for instance, during a nuclear accident or treatment for a previous cancerexposure to chemicals, notably benzene, present in cigarette smoke and petroleum productssome viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or the human T-cell leukemia virus, may increase the risk Can EBV cause leukemia? A 2018 study suggests that proximity to overhead power cables may pose a “small and imprecise” risk of childhood leukemia. The authors note the need for more research to confirm this link. What is the link between benzene and leukemia? Diagnosis If a person has symptoms that could indicate ALL, a doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical examination, and carry out some tests. These tests may include:blood testsbone marrow testsgenetic testsa lumbar puncturea lymph node biopsyimaging tests A biopsy can confirm whether cancer is present and, if so, the type. Imaging tests can show whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment The treatment options will depend on the type of ALL, the individual’s age, and their overall health. There are several treatment options. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is a type of medication that kills cancer cells effectively. However, it can also kill healthy cells, meaning that there is a high risk of adverse effects. These usually pass after the treatment finishes. What are the adverse effects of chemotherapy? Radiation therapy Radiation therapy targets affected areas with a radioactive beam. A doctor may recommend this treatment if ALL has spread to the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord. Bone marrow or stem cell transplant A bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant can support chemotherapy. As chemotherapy can kill both healthy bone marrow cells and cancer cells, a transplant can help boost the renewal of these cells and the body’s ability to recover from chemotherapy. Targeted therapy Targeted therapy is a relatively new strategy that involves targeting specific proteins, genes, or other factors that encourage cancer to grow. Blocking these factors can delay or prevent the growth of cancer. As the treatment has a specific target, it should produce fewer side effects than chemotherapy, but adverse effects are still possible. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy is another new treatment option. It aims to help the body defeat cancer by boosting the action of the immune system. Treatment for children The primary form of treatment for children with leukemia is chemotherapy. The initial treatment is intense, and the child will usually need to spend time in the hospital. However, more than 95% of children with ALL enter remission after 1 month of initial treatment. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute notes that 15–20% of children achieve remission but experience a relapse later. However, it also states that the cure rate is more than 90%. Outlook Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) data from 2012–2018 suggest that 70.8% of people with ALL will live another 5 years or more after their diagnosis, compared with those without the disease. The outlook for children is better. According to the ACS, the 5-year survival rate for children with ALL is 90%. Factors that affect a person’s outlook include: ageoverall healthtype of ALLindividual genetic factors The outlook for different types of cancer has improved dramatically in recent years. As scientists find new ways of diagnosing and treating leukemia, the chance of surviving continues to increase. Can treatment cure ALL ALL can be life threatening, but it is also highly treatable, especially in children. Treatment aims to achieve remission, which is when tests show that there is no more evidence of ALL. In some cases, treatment can remove all evidence of ALL, and the cancer does not come back. In others, ALL does not go away completely, and the person may live for many years with chronic leukemia. They will continue to have medical checks and tests and may need more treatment if ALL starts to return. Frequently asked questions People often ask the following questions about ALL. What is the survival rate for acute ALL Based on data from 2012–2018, the 5-year relative survival rate for ALL is 70.8%. How serious is ALL All cancers are serious and need medical attention. However, with prompt and effective treatment, a person has a good chance of surviving at least another 5 years after their diagnosis. The outlook is more positive for children. In many cases, complete remission is possible. Some people also live for many years with chronic leukemia. What is the main cause of ALL It is not always clear why ALL happens, although genetic factors may play a role. Radiation exposure is a known cause, but most people will not experience radiation at a high enough level to develop ALL. Exposure to certain toxins, such as benzene, also increases the risk. Summary ALL is a type of leukemia, meaning that it is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is a common type of cancer among children, but the 5-year survival rate for children is close to 90%. ALL is more likely to be life threatening for adults than for children, but it is also possible for adults to live for many years with chronic leukemia. The treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Some people reach complete remission after treatment, and the cancer does not return. Others will continue to live with chronic ALL. These individuals will need ongoing follow-ups to ensure that their condition remains stable. Last medically reviewed on July 6, 2022LeukemiaBlood / HematologyCancer / OncologyPediatrics / Children's HealthMedically reviewed by Julie Scott, DNP, ANP-BC, AOCNP — By Yvette Brazier — Updated on July 6, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is an aggressive blood cancer that causes high levels of atypical T cells. We examine the potential causes and…READ MOREB-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Causes, symptoms, and treatment What is B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia? 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