Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Recurrent
What is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)?
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is an aggressive form of blood cancer that affects a particular type of white blood cells. These white blood cells, called lymphocytes, are responsible for the body's immune system and normally help fight off infection. In ALL, these cells become abnormal and divide quickly, crowding out other healthy cells.
The disease typically affects children or young adults, and symptoms may include abnormal bruising or bleeding, persistent fatigue, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, and weight loss. Treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, and targeted therapy, and the success of treatment is largely dependent upon the stage of disease at the time of diagnosis.
ALL Recurrence
In some cases, ALL may recur after initial treatment. The risk of recurrence is higher in patients with high-risk ALL, which is usually characterized by having certain chromosomal abnormalities. This is because high-risk ALL is more difficult to treat, and the disease may not respond as well to standard treatments.
If ALL recurs, patients may need more intense treatments with higher doses of chemotherapy or more targeted therapies. In some cases, stem cell transplantation may be recommended, as it can provide more intensive treatments.
Risk Factors for ALL Recurrence
The risk of ALL recurrence is higher in certain individuals, including those with:
- Advanced-stage disease at the time of diagnosis
- Certain chromosomal abnormalities
- Poorly responding or resistant disease
- Longer period of time between diagnosis and treatment
- Industrial exposure to certain chemicals or toxins
- Certain genetic factors
Monitoring for Recurrence
To reduce the risk of ALL recurrence, it is important for patients to receive regular follow-up testing and monitoring. This may include blood tests, bone marrow or spleen biopsies, CT scans, and MRIs. These tests can help detect any recurring cancer cells, and can help physicians determine the best course of treatment.