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.

Key Points:

  • Most common cancer in children
  • Peaks in incidence between ages 2-5 years
  • Arises from B-cell or T-cell precursors
  • Rapid onset and progression if untreated
  • Highly curable with current treatment protocols
  • Requires intensive, prolonged multi-agent chemotherapy


Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children
  1. What is the most common childhood cancer?
    Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
  2. What is the peak age of incidence for childhood ALL?
    2-5 years old
  3. Which chromosome translocation is associated with a poor prognosis in childhood ALL?
    t(9;22) or Philadelphia chromosome
  4. What is the initial presenting symptom in most children with ALL?
    Fatigue and pallor
  5. Which immunophenotype of ALL has the best prognosis?
    Pre-B cell ALL
  6. What is the name of the genetic alteration associated with improved prognosis in ALL?
    ETV6-RUNX1 (TEL-AML1) fusion
  7. Which laboratory finding is characteristic of tumor lysis syndrome in ALL?
    Hyperuricemia
  8. What is the standard initial treatment for childhood ALL?
    Combination chemotherapy
  9. Which central nervous system prophylaxis method has largely replaced cranial radiation in ALL?
    Intrathecal chemotherapy
  10. What is the overall cure rate for childhood ALL?
    Approximately 80-90%
  11. Which genetic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing ALL?
    Down syndrome
  12. What is the name of the phase of chemotherapy aimed at eradicating residual leukemic cells?
    Consolidation therapy
  13. Which organ is most commonly enlarged on physical examination in ALL?
    Liver (hepatomegaly)
  14. What is the definition of complete remission in ALL?
    < 5% blasts in bone marrow
  15. Which test is used to detect minimal residual disease in ALL?
    Flow cytometry or PCR
  16. What is the most common site of extramedullary involvement in ALL?
    Central nervous system
  17. Which chemotherapy drug is associated with osteonecrosis in ALL treatment?
    Dexamethasone
  18. What is the name of the ALL subtype with multiple chromosomal gains?
    Hyperdiploid ALL
  19. Which tyrosine kinase inhibitor is used in Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL?
    Imatinib
  20. What is the most common late effect of cranial radiation in ALL survivors?
    Neurocognitive deficits
  21. Which immunophenotype of ALL has the worst prognosis?
    T-cell ALL
  22. What is the name of the phenomenon where leukemic cells infiltrate the testes?
    Testicular sanctuary
  23. Which chemotherapy drug requires dose adjustment based on TPMT enzyme activity?
    6-Mercaptopurine
  24. What is the typical duration of maintenance therapy in childhood ALL?
    2-3 years
  25. Which imaging modality is used to detect CNS involvement in ALL?
    MRI of the brain
  26. What is the name of the gene commonly mutated in T-cell ALL?
    NOTCH1
  27. Which laboratory finding is associated with tumor lysis syndrome in ALL?
    Hyperphosphatemia
  28. What is the name of the ALL subtype with chromosome 11q23 abnormalities?
    MLL-rearranged ALL
  29. Which chemotherapy drug is associated with cardiotoxicity in ALL treatment?
    Anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin)
  30. 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.





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