Relapsed B cell precursor Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Relapsed B cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)
B cell precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow in which immature B cells cannot turn into normal B cells that develop into mature, “functional” white blood cells. It is the most common type of acute leukemia in children, but is rarely seen in adults.
Relapsed B-ALL is a condition in which B-ALL returns after initial treatment has ended. In some cases, the cancer is localized; however, in many cases, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment of relapsed B-ALL permanently changes the outcome of the disease and is more difficult than treating newly diagnosed B-ALL.
Causes of Relapsed B-ALL
The causes of B-ALL relapses are not well understood. Several factors may contribute, including incomplete remission at diagnosis, a high tumor burden, the presence of disease-related chromosomal abnormalities, and the presence of persistent minimal residual disease.
Treatment Options for Relapsed B-ALL
The treatment of B-ALL relapses depends on the patient's condition and the extent of the disease. The most common treatments include:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted immune therapies
- Stem cell transplant
- Clinical trials
Chemotherapy includes a combination of drugs that are used to kill cancer cells and stop the growth of tumors. Targeted immune therapies involve using drugs to enhance the body's own immune system to fight the cancer cells. A stem cell transplant involves replacing the patient's own blood stem cells with healthy, donor stem cells in order to restore the body’s ability to make new blood cells. Clinical trials may offer an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to the patient's needs.
Conclusion
Relapsed B-ALL is a serious condition and can be difficult to treat. However, with the right treatment plan, a person can often achieve remission and, in some cases, even cure the condition. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with relapsed B-ALL, contact your healthcare provider or seek out a specialist for a personalized and effective treatment plan.