Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
April 19, 2024
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Guido Marcucci, M.D., Chair, Department of Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, City of Hope Duarte
Acute lymphocytic leukemia, also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia or ALL, is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
Several treatments are available for ALL patients, tailored to the individual’s preferences and cancer subtype. Thanks to research progress and innovation, ALL knowledge and care are improving as doctors better understand the genetic underpinnings of the disease.
ALL is a rare type of leukemia that begins in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections. This type of cancer most commonly occurs in children under age 5 and adults over 50.
In the United States, about 6,550 new cases are diagnosed each year, accounting for less than half of 1% of all cancer diagnoses. A person’s lifetime risk of developing ALL is one in 1,000. The risk is slightly higher in males than in females.
Some patients experience no symptoms, but when ALL does cause symptoms, they’re often related to low blood cell counts. Patients may experience fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, frequent infections, bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds.
Other general symptoms associated with ALL may include appetite loss, fever, weight loss and night sweats. If the cancer has spread beyond the blood and bone marrow, symptoms such as enlarged lymph nodes or bone and joint pain may be noticed.
ALL is diagnosed using a variety of tests, including a physical exam, complete blood count and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. A lumbar puncture and lymph node biopsy may also be done to see if the cancer has spread to other areas. If ALL is found, more testing may be done to identify the cancer’s subtype.
Unlike cancers that cause solid tumors, ALL doesn't have a formal staging system. Doctors use the patient’s cancer subtype, age, types of abnormalities in the leukemia cells and lab results to determine a treatment plan.
ALL treatment options vary depending on the cancer subtype and the patient’s overall health and personal preferences.
Treatment for ALL may involve multiple courses of chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells.
Chemotherapy is divided into three phases: A short and intensive induction phase, several months of consolidation therapy and a maintenance phase, which usually lasts for about two years.
Other treatments may include stem cell transplantation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.
American Cancer Society (2018, October 17). What Is Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)?
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/about/what-is-all.htmlAmerican Cancer Society (2018, October 17). What’s New in Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Research?
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/about/new-research.htmlAmerican Cancer Society (2024, January 17). Key Statistics for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/about/key-statistics.htmlAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology (2022, November). Leukemia - Acute Lymphoblastic - ALL - Childhood: Symptoms and Signs.
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/leukemia-acute-lymphoblastic-all-childhood/symptoms-and-signsAmerican Cancer Society (2018, October 17). Tests for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.htmlAmerican Cancer Society (2018, October 17). Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Subtypes and Prognostic Factors.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-classified.htmlAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology. Leukemia - Acute Lymphoblastic - ALL - Childhood: Classification (2022, November).
https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/leukemia-acute-lymphoblastic-all-childhood/classificationAmerican Cancer Society. Treating Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/treating.html
Leukemia Patient Stories





Our Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Expertise

City of Hope has been named a best hospital for cancer by U.S. News & World Report for over a decade. As a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, our doctors also help develop and improve evidence-based leukemia treatment guidelines for patients throughout the country.
Program Highlights:
- A multidisciplinary team of specialists – including hematologists, medical and radiation oncologists, scientists, supportive care experts, and other professionals – work together to provide coordinated, personalized care for you and your loved ones.
- The Gehr Family Center for Leukemia is home to a team of basic scientists whose laboratory research focuses on furthering our understanding of the causes of leukemia (leukemogenesis) and developing new disease-specific therapeutics.
- Comprehensive molecular profiling and risk assessment tests that can help identify treatments that will produce the best outcomes.
- A world-class bone marrow and stem cell transplant program with better than expected survival outcomes for over 10 years.
- Leading-edge clinical trials for leukemia that are unavailable elsewhere, including CAR T cell immunotherapy, mutation-specific drugs and novel stem cell transplant regimens.
- Total marrow irradiation can target radiation therapy to bone marrow while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues and organs.
- Specialized observation programs for slow-growing leukemia subtypes, allowing our doctors to deliver timely therapies when they are the most effective.
- A long-term follow-up program to minimize the risk of recurrence and improve the quality of life for leukemia survivors.

City of Hope is one of the few facilities designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.

Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.

Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care.