It’s a mutation or a genetic change in the stem cells that causes immature white blood cells to be released into the bloodstream. A healthy cell normally stops dividing and eventually dies, but this mutation tells the cells to continue growing and dividing resulting in abnormal production of blood cells.

While, it’s not clear what cause the mutations that can lead to ALL, but doctors have found that most cases of ALL aren’t inherited. The various known risk factors include:

Previous Cancer Treatment
Children and adults who have had chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other kinds of cancer are at an increased risk of developing ALL.

Smoking
Smokers are more likely to develop ALL than non-smokers, and studies have shown that passive smoking may increase the risk of leukaemia in children

Being Obese
Studies have shown that overweight people have a slightly higher risk of developing leukaemia than those who have normal weight

Genetic Disorders
Certain genetic disorders, such as Down Syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of ALL.

THE OUTLOOK FOR CHILDREN WITH ALL IS USUALLY GOOD – ALMOST EVERY CHILD ACHIEVES REMISSION (A PERIOD WHEN THEY’RE FREE FROM SYMPTOMS), AND 85% WILL BE COMPLETELY CURED. HOWEVER, THE OUTLOOK FOR ADULTS WITH ALL IS LESS PROMISING – AROUND 40% OF PATIENTS BETWEEN 25 & 64 YEARS LIVE ON FOR FIVE YEARS OR MORE AFTER DIAGNOSIS.

Since ALL is an aggressive condition that develops rapidly, the treatment usually begins a few days after the diagnosis and is carried out in three stages:

STAGE 1: INDUCTION – the aim of this initial stage is to kill the leukaemia cells in the bone marrow, restore the balance of cells in the blood and resolve any symptoms the patient might have.

STAGE 2: CONSOLIDATION – the aim of this stage is to kill the remaining leukaemia cells in the bone marrow and central nervous system.

STAGE 3: MAINTENANCE – this final stage involves taking regular doses of chemotherapy tablets to prevent leukaemia from returning.

STAGE 1: INDUCTION

This stage of treatment is carried out in a hospital as the patient might need regular blood transfusions since the blood doesn’t contain enough healthy blood cells. The patient is kept in a sterile environment as he/ she is more vulnerable to infections. This stage includes further treatments:

• Chemotherapy – pills or maybe as an injection as well. In some cases, to avoid repeated injections, drugs are administered through a flexible tube that goes into a vein in the chest.
• Steroid Therapy – administered to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

STAGE 2: CONSOLIDATION

The treatment during this stage involves regular injections of chemotherapy medication on an outpatient basis. However, if the symptoms suddenly get worse or if the patient develops an infection, short overnight stays in the hospital are required. This phase of treatment lasts several months.

STAGE 3: MAINTENANCE

This phase of treatment is like an insurance against the possibility of the leukaemia returning. It involves regular chemotherapy (tablets) with regular check-ups to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. This phase of treatment can often last for two years.

Further, in some cases, the Haematologist may opt for other treatments as well:

• Radiotherapy – high doses of controlled radiation are used to kill cancerous cells and is used to treat ALL if it has spread to the nervous system or brain and to prepare the body for a bone marrow or a stem cell transplant.
• Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants – For more information, read Stem Cell Transplant