Home/Cancer/Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in Children
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in Children
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer, accounting for approximately 25% of all pediatric malignancies. It is a hematologic malignancy characterized by the clonal proliferation of immature lymphoid cells in the bone marrow, blood, and other organs.
Prognosis for childhood ALL has improved dramatically over the past decades:
Overall Survival Rates:
5-year overall survival: >90% for standard-risk patients
High-risk and very high-risk patients: 70-80% 5-year survival
Infant ALL: 50-60% 5-year survival
Prognostic Factors:
Minimal residual disease (MRD) status: Most important
Age and initial WBC count
Cytogenetic and molecular features
Early response to treatment
CNS or testicular involvement
Relapse:
Occurs in 15-20% of patients
Most common sites: Bone marrow, CNS, testes
Prognosis for relapsed ALL is guarded, but improving with new therapies
Long-term Follow-up
Survivors of childhood ALL require lifelong monitoring for late effects of therapy:
Potential Late Effects:
Neurocognitive impairment
Growth hormone deficiency
Obesity and metabolic syndrome
Cardiovascular disease
Osteonecrosis
Secondary malignancies
Infertility
Follow-up Care:
Regular physical examinations
Neurocognitive assessments
Endocrine evaluations
Cardiovascular screening
Bone health monitoring
Cancer surveillance
Psychosocial support
Specific Monitoring:
Echocardiograms: For patients who received anthracyclines
Bone density scans: To assess for osteoporosis
Thyroid function tests: Particularly for those who received cranial radiation
Hearing tests: For patients who received platinum-based chemotherapy
Fertility counseling and hormonal evaluations
Transitioning to Adult Care:
As survivors reach adulthood, a structured transition to adult-focused care is crucial:
Education about their cancer history and potential late effects
Development of a personalized long-term follow-up plan
Connection with adult providers familiar with childhood cancer survivorship
Encouraging self-advocacy and health management skills
Psychosocial Considerations:
Educational and vocational support
Mental health screening and support
Social reintegration and peer support programs
Financial counseling related to long-term healthcare needs
The goal of long-term follow-up is not only to monitor for and manage late effects but also to promote overall health and quality of life for ALL survivors.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children
What is the most common childhood cancer?
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
What is the peak age of incidence for childhood ALL?
2-5 years old
Which chromosome translocation is associated with a poor prognosis in childhood ALL?
t(9;22) or Philadelphia chromosome
What is the initial presenting symptom in most children with ALL?
Fatigue and pallor
Which immunophenotype of ALL has the best prognosis?
Pre-B cell ALL
What is the name of the genetic alteration associated with improved prognosis in ALL?
ETV6-RUNX1 (TEL-AML1) fusion
Which laboratory finding is characteristic of tumor lysis syndrome in ALL?
Hyperuricemia
What is the standard initial treatment for childhood ALL?
Combination chemotherapy
Which central nervous system prophylaxis method has largely replaced cranial radiation in ALL?
Intrathecal chemotherapy
What is the overall cure rate for childhood ALL?
Approximately 80-90%
Which genetic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing ALL?
Down syndrome
What is the name of the phase of chemotherapy aimed at eradicating residual leukemic cells?
Consolidation therapy
Which organ is most commonly enlarged on physical examination in ALL?
Liver (hepatomegaly)
What is the definition of complete remission in ALL?
< 5% blasts in bone marrow
Which test is used to detect minimal residual disease in ALL?
Flow cytometry or PCR
What is the most common site of extramedullary involvement in ALL?
Central nervous system
Which chemotherapy drug is associated with osteonecrosis in ALL treatment?
Dexamethasone
What is the name of the ALL subtype with multiple chromosomal gains?
Hyperdiploid ALL
Which tyrosine kinase inhibitor is used in Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL?
Imatinib
What is the most common late effect of cranial radiation in ALL survivors?
Neurocognitive deficits
Which immunophenotype of ALL has the worst prognosis?
T-cell ALL
What is the name of the phenomenon where leukemic cells infiltrate the testes?
Testicular sanctuary
Which chemotherapy drug requires dose adjustment based on TPMT enzyme activity?
6-Mercaptopurine
What is the typical duration of maintenance therapy in childhood ALL?
2-3 years
Which imaging modality is used to detect CNS involvement in ALL?
MRI of the brain
What is the name of the gene commonly mutated in T-cell ALL?
NOTCH1
Which laboratory finding is associated with tumor lysis syndrome in ALL?
Hyperphosphatemia
What is the name of the ALL subtype with chromosome 11q23 abnormalities?
MLL-rearranged ALL
Which chemotherapy drug is associated with cardiotoxicity in ALL treatment?
Anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin)
What is the most common cause of treatment failure in childhood ALL?
Relapse
Disclaimer
The notes provided on Pediatime are generated from online resources and AI sources and have been carefully checked for accuracy. However, these notes are not intended to replace standard textbooks. They are designed to serve as a quick review and revision tool for medical students and professionals, and to aid in theory exam preparation. For comprehensive learning, please refer to recommended textbooks and guidelines.
Speech
To listen to this article, select the text and click play.