Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

In the form of leukemia known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a group of white blood cells called lymphocytes is affected. It is also sometimes called acute lymphocytic leukemia or lymphoid leukemia. ALL accounts for about 75 to 80 percent of the childhood leukemias. Leukemia is the most common form of cancer in children, affecting about 3,000 children each year in the United States, accounting for about 30 percent of childhood cancers.

How we care for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia are treated through theLeukemia ProgramatDana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s has played a key role in refining treatment for childhood leukemia, resulting in today's cure rates of more than 85 percent for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We continue to leadleukemia clinical trialsdesigned to increase cure rates, decrease treatment-related side effects and improve care for long-term survivors.

Find in-depth information onacute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)on the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute website, including answers to:

• What are the symptoms of ALL?
• How is ALL diagnosed?
• What isrelapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia?
• What is the best treatment for ALL in children?
• What is the latest research on ALL in children?
• What is the long-term outlook for ALL in children?