How We Treat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Expert Care and Treatment for Leukemia and Related Disorders

Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center’s Adult Leukemia Program within the Hematologic Oncology Treatment Center includes hematologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, and radiation therapists who specialize in treating patients with all types of leukemia and related blood and bone marrow disorders.

Your care team will collaborate to develop a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that offers the most advanced therapies and an array of supportive resources.

Adult Leukemia Program

Our Treatment Approach

The Adult Leukemia Program is part of Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center's Center for Hematologic Oncology, one of the world's largest and most respected treatment centers for patients with disorders of the blood or bone marrow. Our Program cares for a high number of patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and has expertise developing appropriate treatment plans based on age and ALL subtype.

Treatment for ALL is determined by:

  • Your age
  • Your subtype of ALL (B cell or T cell, and if you have the Philadelphia chromosome)
  • Whether you are newly-diagnosed or your disease has relapsed
  • If a clinical trial is appropriate for your care

Your care will include the latest and best treatments available, including clinical trials of new therapies based on research in our laboratories and elsewhere in the field. We have tailored treatment plans for both young adults and older adults. You also have the full range of support services from a top-ranked hospital and leading cancer research center.

Team Approach

At Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, you receive world-class care from a team of specialists with expertise in caring for adults with ALL. We have extensive experience in standard and novel therapies to ensure that your care plan offers the best possible outcomes. We work closely with our stem cell/bone marrow transplant team when patients require transplantation to ensure early evaluation and a smooth and fast transition to transplantation. We also work closely with colleagues in pediatricssocial workpsychiatrygeriatricsnutrition, and others to address the specific needs of each patient.

Patients with ALL should begin treatment soon after their diagnosis. Call 617-632-6028 to schedule an appointment with one of our leukemia specialists.

Treatment for Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Marlise Luskin, MD, MSCE, a leukemia specialist in our Adult Leukemia Program, describes treatment for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). She explains treatment considerations for younger adults and older adults with ALL.

Specialized Care for Adults of All Ages and Subtypes

ALL is a rare disease with unique and complicated treatments. Our clinicians offer expertise in selecting treatment, monitoring response, and managing side effects for patients of all ages and disease subtypes.

    We believe most young adult patients with ALL should receive a pediatric-type chemotherapy regimen. Dana-Farber researchers pioneered this approach which has improved outcomes for adults aged 18 to 50 compared to what has historically been achieved using "adult" treatment protocols. We also recommend that all young patients enroll on a clinical trial when possible. One of our current clinical trials for young adults (17-717) explores the addition of a novel immunotherapy to pediatric-style chemotherapy. Another protocol (21-272) explores a new medication called calaspargase for adult patients 22 years and older.

    Older adults with ALL may experience more side effects from treatment. We have clinical trials studying novel, less-toxic approaches to treating ALL in older adults (18-17016-648). In addition, we work with our Older Adult Hematologic Malignancy Program which is a specialized research and clinical service that addresses the specialized needs of older blood cancer patients. Geriatricians work closely with oncologists to create individualized treatment plans for older adults to help manage other medical conditions or frailty a patient may have. These patients may participate in research protocols tailored to older adults, including clinical trials and tissue banking efforts.

    This subtype of ALL is treated with a targeted therapy called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). We offer a clinical trial of a novel TKI approach (18-170) for this disease subtype. Our team typically recommends that standard chemotherapy be reduced or omitted for this disease subtype. Patients with this subtype are often considered for stem cell transplant. We work closely with our stem cell/bone marrow transplant team to ensure early evaluation and a smooth and fast transition to transplantation when appropriate.

    ALL that has come back or not responded to prior therapy can be a challenging disease to treat. Our experts have experience with this clinical situation and a number of trials are available testing novel therapies (17-73121-19620-746) and CAR T-cells (20-27220-562).

    Treatment Phases

    Treatment for ALL is often a long-term process. Chemotherapy and other treatment may take two years or longer to complete. The treatment of adult ALL is usually done in the following phases:

      This first phase of treatment for newly-diagnosed ALL patients generally lasts 3 to 4 weeks. The specific treatment plan depends on age and ALL disease subtype, and may include chemotherapy, antibody-based immunotherapy, and/or a targeted therapy called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Patients are often admitted to the hospital for this phase of treatment. The goal of induction is to kill the leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow to put the cancer into remission. After a patient achieves remission, we determine next steps for treatment based on your age, ALL disease subtype, and level of response to initial therapy (i.e. whether you have measurable residual disease or remaining cancer cells detected by our sensitive testing).

      Leukemia cells may remain after achieving an initial remission. Therefore, the goal in this phase — which generally lasts for up to two years — is to eliminate remaining leukemia cells that may not be active but could begin to regrow. Post-remission therapy generally involves chemotherapy, and may include immunotherapy, TKI, and/or allogeneic stem cell transplant.

      Because ALL cells can migrate to the brain or spinal cord, special treatment must be administered to prevent ALL from recurring in this area. Treatment typically consists of multiple spinal taps and administration of chemotherapy. Some patients may also receive radiation to the brain.

      Some patients require allogeneic stem cell transplant as part of their post-remission or consolidation treatment or as part of treatment for relapsed disease. With an allogeneic stem cell transplant, patients receive stem cells from a related or unrelated donor to develop a new immune system. In order to undergo a transplant, a patient typically needs to be in remission. If a patient has relapsed after initial treatment, more chemotherapy, novel cancer therapies, or immunotherapy is used to achieve a second remission. Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center has one of the largest and most experienced stem cell transplantation programs in the country.

      Clinical Trials Questions?

      877-338-7425

      Clinical Trials for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

      Our Program operates a large and growing research program. We are actively engaged in leukemia clinical trials, leading to new therapies and aiming for more cures. Our clinical team works closely with our leukemia researchers to develop new treatments based on the latest scientific discoveries.

      We offer clinical trials for:

      • Newly-diagnosed patients
      • Relapsed patients
      • Young adults (18-50 years)
      • Older adults
      • ALL with specific characteristics such as T-cell ALL, or ALL with the Philadelphia chromosome

      View Current Clinical Trials

      We are also exploring cellular therapy approaches such as CAR T-cell therapy for patients who have relapsed after intensive chemotherapy or a stem cell transplant.

      Personalized Treatment

      As a highly specialized Center within Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center's Center for Hematologic Oncology, we focus on the distinct needs of patients with leukemia. We provide a very personalized approach to your care.

      We view every patient as an individual, with unique needs and expectations. We involve you and your family at each step of the treatment process. As you go through treatment, you and your family will have access to a wide range of support resources — from nutrition services to integrative therapies, and much more.

      Your Care

      One of our experienced leukemia physicians will oversee all aspects of your care, both inpatient and outpatient.

      All outpatient therapy is provided at the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care at Dana-Farber, one of the most advanced outpatient cancer centers in the country.

      If you need to be hospitalized during your care, or if you undergo allogeneic stem cell transplantation, you will be admitted to Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) or the Dana-Farber Inpatient Hospital located within BWH. Your primary oncologist and nurse will closely monitor your care and will coordinate your care with the inpatient team and additional specialists, who will address any other symptoms you may be experiencing. This model ensures seamless care from the outpatient to the inpatient setting. Learn more about your stay.

      Second Opinions

      Get Started

      Consultations and Second Opinions

      Because adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia is relatively uncommon, we believe there is great value in adults with suspected or diagnosed ALL consulting with our team of experienced clinicians. We routinely evaluate specimens sent to us from outside centers.

      Reasons to consider a consultation or second opinion include:

      • If you have received a diagnosis elsewhere and want to be treated at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center. We offer next-day appointments to ensure there is no delay in starting treatment should you wish to be treated at our specialty center.
      • To confirm your diagnosis.
      • To learn if you are eligible for a clinical trial.
      • To determine the optimal therapy and timing of treatment.
      • To determine if you should consider allogeneic stem cell transplant.
      • To learn more about your cancer from specialists who are world leaders in this disease, and who have treated hundreds of other patients like you.

      Scheduling Your Appointment

      To schedule your second opinion appointment:

      Call 617-632-6028 or 617-632-5138

      Complete the Appointment Request Form

      Can't travel to Boston in person? Take advantage of our Online Second Opinion service.

      For Referring Physicians

      Because you, the referring physician, are an integral part of your patient's care team, we are committed to collaborating with you to provide the best care for your patient.