Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which the body produces abnormal lymphocytes at an uncontrolled rate. It progresses quickly and can affect both children and adults, and it is the most common childhood cancer.
Key points
- Abnormal lymphocytes multiply uncontrollably, leaving too little room for healthy blood cells and causing fatigue, bruising and repeated infections.
- Treatment approach depends partly on whether a particular chromosomal abnormality, the Philadelphia chromosome, is present in the leukaemia cells.
- Targeted drug therapy has become a key part of managing the Philadelphia-chromosome-positive subtype in suitable patients.
Recognising ALL and how it is managed
Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include persistent fatigue, unexplained bruising or bleeding, recurrent infections, bone pain, and swollen lymph nodes. These arise because abnormal cells crowd out healthy blood cells.
Treatment depends on whether the cancer carries a specific genetic change called the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+). Ph+ ALL is a more aggressive subtype, and targeted therapy with agents such as dasatinib has become a central part of treatment for eligible patients. Broader supportive care sits within oncology support.
If you or someone you care for develops sudden unexplained bleeding, very high fever, or severe breathlessness, seek medical attention without delay.