Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment options for acute lymphocytic leukemia in children

by Werner Waters Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The main treatment for children with acute lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) leukemia (ALL) is chemotherapy, which is usually given in 3 main phases: Induction. Consolidation (also called intensification)Feb 12, 2019

Nutrition

The main treatment for most childhood leukemias is chemotherapy. For some children with higher risk leukemias, high-dose chemotherapy may be given along with a stem cell transplant. Other treatments might also be used in special circumstances. Surgery for Childhood Leukemia. Radiation Therapy for Childhood Leukemia.

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 · Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment is usually chemotherapy given in phases and determined by risk group. Radiation therapy, targeted therapy and stem cell transplant are sometimes used. Learn more about newly diagnosed and recurrent ALL in this expert reviewed summary.

What is the expected lifespan of a child with leukemia?

Treating Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Targeted Therapy for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Immunotherapy for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Surgery for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Radiation Therapy for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Stem Cell Transplant for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia …

What is the cure for childhood leukemia?

NOVEL AGENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA. Current efforts in advancing the treatment of ALL focus on unique mechanisms that contrast with the nonspecific targeting of conventional chemotherapy. Immunotherapy is a broad and promising field that seeks to harness the power of the immune system to allow for a more targeted approach.

What are the survival rates for leukemia?

Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Targeted Therapy for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Immunotherapy for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Surgery for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Radiation Therapy for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Stem Cell Transplant for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

What are alternative treatments for leukemia?

This is determined by examining the testicles; in some cases a biopsy could be required. Stronger treatment is usually given to boys that have leukemia in the testicles, and some will need to get radiation therapy. Chromosomal alterations in the leukemia cell: Cancer cells often display genetic mistakes that have been acquired, meaning that they were not passed down from the …

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Your child’s doctor will tailor your child’s treatment based on the ALL subtype and other factors, such as age, health and how the cancer responds to treatment. In addition to chemotherapy, your child’s treatment may include: Immunotherapy. Stem cell transplantation. Clinical trial.

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What treatment is used for acute lymphocytic leukemia?

The main treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in adults is typically long-term chemotherapy (chemo). In recent years, doctors have begun to use more intensive chemo regimens, which has led to more responses to treatment.

What is the best treatment for childhood leukemia?

The main treatment for most childhood leukemias is chemotherapy. For some children with higher risk leukemias, high-dose chemotherapy may be given along with a stem cell transplant. Other treatments might also be used in special circumstances.

How I treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children?

Treatment Options for Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic LeukemiaCombination chemotherapy.CNS sanctuary therapy with intrathecal chemotherapy and high-dose chemotherapy. ... Combination chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplant using stem cells from a donor.More items...

Can acute leukemia be cured in children?

Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children. It can be acute (fast-growing) or chronic (slow growing). Most kids and teens treated for leukemia are cured of the disease.

What is the survival rate of a child with leukemia?

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), the average 5-year survival rate for ALL, the most common type of leukemia in children, is 94.4 percent for those under age 5. There's a slight drop to 92.5 percent for older children under age 15.

How long is leukemia treatment in children?

The entire length of treatment is typically about 2 to 3 years, with the most intense treatment in the first few months. Children with ALL are typically classified by risk group to make sure that the correct types and doses of drugs are given. Treatment may be more or less intense, depending on the risk group.

What is the survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

While acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children is more common than other types of cancer, it has high cure rates. Survival rates are lower in adults, but they are improving. The 5-year relative survival rate for ALL is 68.8%. The statistics further break down to 90% in children and 30-40% in adults.

What are the first signs commonly seen in the child with acute lymphocytic leukemia?

The most common signs and symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children are:Anemia. ... Bleeding and/or bruising. ... Bone and joint pain. ... Recurrent fevers/infections. ... Abdominal pain. ... Swollen lymph nodes. ... Difficulty breathing.

Does acute lymphocytic leukemia require chemotherapy?

Chemo is the main treatment for just about all people with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Because of its potential side effects, chemo might not be recommended for patients in poor health, but advanced age by itself is not a barrier to getting chemo.

What is the most common age for childhood leukemia?

ALL is most common in early childhood, peaking between 2 and 5 years of age. AML tends to be more spread out across the childhood years, but it's slightly more common during the first 2 years of life and during the teenage years.

What is the most treatable leukemia?

While it is similar in many ways to the other subtypes, APL is distinctive and has a very specific treatment regime. Treatment outcomes for APL are very good, and it is considered the most curable type of leukemia. Cure rates are as high as 90%.

What causes acute childhood leukemia?

The exact cause of most childhood leukemias is not known. Most children with leukemia do not have any known risk factors. Still, scientists have learned that certain changes in the DNA inside normal bone marrow cells can cause them to grow out of control and become leukemia cells.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Alternative Medicine

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karthikeya T M
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The main focus of the treatment is to bring back the blood count to normal. Treatment involves chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation.
Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Have foods rich in vitamin D such as fish but make sure they are well cooked.
  • Steamed vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, and carrots
  • Whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa
  • Plenty of proteins such as well-cooked lean meat

Foods to avoid:

Any type of raw/undercooked foods including

  • Meat, seafood, eggs, and vegetables
  • Unpeeled fruits
  • Dairy products

Specialist to consult

Oncologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.
Hematologist
Specializes in the study of the blood and blood disorders.
Pediatrician
Specializes in the health of children, including physical, behavioral, and mental health issues
Pediatric oncologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children.

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • In general, treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia falls into separate phases: 1. Induction therapy.The purpose of the first phase of treatment is to kill most of the leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow and to restore normal blood cell production. 2. Consolidation therapy.Also called post-remission therapy, this phase of treatment is aime...
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