Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Childhood - Treatment Overview

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Childhood Topic-overview

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a common form of cancer in children. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) occurs five times more commonly in children. The survival rates of the ALL have drastically improved since 1980s and the current survival rates is greater than 85%. The improvement in the survival rates is due to treatment of a large number of children on the sequential standardized research protocols. It is estimated that about 75 to 85 percent of children who are diagnosed with ALL participated in the trials. The goal of these trials was to achieve an improvement in the clinical outcomes and minimize the late-occurring adverse effects.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Childhood Cause

The actual cause of ALL is still unknown. Research is still going on all the time to uncover all the possible causes of ALL in children. It has been observed that children with certain genetic disorders like Down’s syndrome are at higher risk for developing ALL. Also sisters or brothers of a child with ALL (Specifically in case of identical twins) have slightly greater risk for developing ALL themselves. However, this risk is quite small compared to children having genetic disorder. Unlike all cancers, ALL in children is not infectious and hence it cannot be passed on from one person to another.

Symptoms of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Childhood

The production of the normal blood cells gets reduced due to the multiplication of the leukemia cells in the bone marrow. Lack of the red blood cells caused by anemia makes children feel lethargic and tired. Children starts to develop bruises and the bleeding may take longer to stop. This is caused from low number of platelets present in their blood cells which are known to help clotting of the blood. Sometimes, children may suffer from certain infections due to the low number of normal white blood cells.

A child will likely feel unwell and may complain of pains and ache sin the limbs. Your children may also have swollen lymph glands.

In the early stages of ALL some of the commonly found symptoms are:

Easily feeling tired and weak

Fever

Bruises

Enlarged lymph nodes due to overproduction of immature lymphocytes

Pain in joints or bones

Initially, the symptoms are similar to viral infection but when they sustain for more than a week or two then it clarifies the diagnosis.

Diagnosis:

Your doctor will evaluate your child and their symptoms and doing tests. When a child shows symptoms that could be possibly caused by cancer then they will be referred by their GP to either of the following specialists:

A pediatric oncologist who is specialized for treating children suffering from cancer.

A pediatrician who is a specialists for treating children

A pediatric hematologist who is specialized for treating blood disorders

Most children diagnosed with cancer will undergo treatment in a Principal Treatment Center within a hospital.

Tests:

Your doctor will perform physical exam of your child to reveal swollen liver, spleen and lymph nodes, bruising and any signs of bleeding. Your child will be asked for blood tests so as to verify your platelet count, complete blood count or CBC including the WBC (white blood cell) count, lumbar puncture or the spinal tab for checking the leukemia cells in the spinal fluid.

Tests will be performed to look for any changes in the DNA inside your abnormal white cells. Certain changes in DNA help to determine what kind of treatment is recommended for your children.

Treatment:

The initial goal of your treatment is to get back your blood count to normal. If this occurs then the bone marrow looks healthy under the microscope and cancer will be in complete remission.

Chemotherapy is the first treatment tried to achieve complete remission. After achieving initial complete remission, more treatment is required for curing this condition. The further treatment might include radiation to the brain or more chemotherapy. The bone marrow transplant or the stem cell from another person can be done. The further treatment depends on age and health of your child, genetic changes in the leukemia cells, availability of donor for stem cell transplant and the number of chemotherapy courses your child has undergone.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Childhood Prevention

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children can be prevented by avoiding contact with chemicals, radiation and certain toxins.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Childhood Support & Resources

Most children who are diagnosed with ALL are cured and most of them grow and develop normally. If you have any specific concerns regarding your child’s condition and the types of treatment to be given then you should talk with your doctor.

Being a parent of a child having cancer is worst situation. But you should panic instead you can check out India Cancer Surgery Site which will suggest you best treatment at affordable prices. India has been a favorite medical tourism place in recent years with the availability of experienced and highly skilled doctors. The team of doctors and nurses help support your child and family while you visit for medical treatment. It is advised to discuss any difficulties you may have with your treatment team before your visit to India.

References:

®   Sulong S, Moorman AV, Irving JA, Strefford JC, Konn ZJ, Case MC, Minto L, Barber KE, Parker H, Wright SL, Stewart AR, Bailey S, Bown NP, Hall AG, Harrison CJ (Jan 1, 2009). "A comprehensive analysis of the CDKN2A gene in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia reveals genomic deletion, copy number neutral loss of heterozygosity, and association with specific cytogenetic subgroups.". Blood 113 (1): 100–107.