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Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia, is a quickly progressing disease in which too many abnormal white blood cells are found in the bone marrow (the soft, spongy center of long bones). Acute lymphoblastic leukemia accounts for about 75 to 80 percent of childhood leukemias and 85 percent of newly diagnosed patients go on to become event-free survivors. In some cases, children who are treated for ALL and achieve an initial complete remission will have the disease return; this is known as relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Children and teens with acute lymphoblastic leukemia are treated at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center through the Childhood Leukemia Program.
Dana-Farber/Boston Children's offers a wide array of support services and programs for pediatric patients and their families during and after cancer treatment.
Because leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow, the initial symptoms often are related to abnormal bone marrow function. Bone marrow is responsible for producing the body's blood cells, including the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. While your child may experience symptoms differently, some of the most common ALL symptoms include:
ALL can cause a variety of symptoms in children based on their age and their disease type. Keep in mind that the symptoms of ALL may resemble other more common conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
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Find answers to common questions about clinical trials for childhood cancer, including whether or not a clinical trial may be the right choice for your child. You can also email your questions to clinicaltrials@danafarberbostonchildrens.org