ALL, or Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells in children. Treatment for ALL usually involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplants. The goal of treatment is to get rid of the cancer cells and prevent the cancer from coming back.
Treatment Options
The type of treatment for ALL depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Common treatments for ALL include:
Chemotherapy: This is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells and is often the first line of treatment for ALL. Chemotherapy may be given as a pill, injection, or through a vein (IV).
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It is usually used to treat cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.
Stem Cell Transplant: A stem cell transplant is a procedure in which healthy stem cells are taken from the bone marrow or blood of a donor and transplanted into the patient. The new stem cells can help the body produce healthy blood cells and fight the cancer.
Side Effects
All treatments for ALL can cause side effects. Common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and changes in blood counts. Stem cell transplants can also cause side effects, such as increased risk of infection and organ damage. It's important to talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of any treatment.
Long-Term Outlook
The long-term outlook for children with ALL depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and how well the treatment works. In general, the prognosis is good, with more than 80% of children surviving at least five years after diagnosis. With advances in treatments, the survival rate for ALL is increasing.