DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Cancer

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

HIGH SEVERITY

The most common childhood cancer, characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of immature lymphoid cells (lymphoblasts) in bone marrow and blood. Peak incidence at 2-5 years. Multiple subtypes with varying prognosis.

Global Affected

80.0K

Countries

17

Symptoms

Fatigue/pallor
Fever/infections
Bruising/bleeding
Bone/joint pain
Lymphadenopathy
Hepatosplenomegaly
Testicular enlargement
CNS symptoms

Treatment Options

Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy
Hormone therapy
Stem cell transplant
Palliative care

Risk Factors

1Age
2Family history
3Genetic mutations
4Smoking
5Alcohol consumption
6Obesity
7Physical inactivity
8Environmental exposures
9Infections (HPV, HBV, HCV, H. pylori)

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Biopsy
  • 2Imaging (CT, MRI, PET)
  • 3Tumor markers
  • 4Genetic testing
  • 5Endoscopy
  • 6Blood tests
  • 7Screening programs

Prognosis

Childhood ALL has 85-90% long-term survival with modern intensive chemotherapy protocols. Adult ALL survival is 40-50%, improving with pediatric-inspired regimens and targeted therapies. High-risk genetic features (Philadelphia chromosome, MLL rearrangements) reduce survival to 30-40% without stem cell transplant. Relapsed disease has 30-50% salvage rate with CAR-T cell therapy or transplant. Treatment duration is 2-3 years for standard-risk patients.

Prevention

  • Smoking cessation
  • Sun protection
  • Healthy diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Vaccination (HPV, HBV)
  • Screening programs
  • Limit alcohol
  • Maintain healthy weight

Research Status

Multi-agent chemotherapy with risk stratification. Survival >90% for standard-risk ALL. CAR-T cell therapy (tisagenlecleucel) for B-ALL. Blinatumomab for MRD-positive. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for Ph+ ALL. Cranial radiation rarely used.

Sources

  • https://www.cancer.gov
  • https://www.who.int/cancer
  • https://www.cancer.org

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.