Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Results differ a lot by age. Children do best, and NCI reports that survival for U.S. children with ALL has risen greatly since the 1970s. Teens do well too, and adults face a harder course. The outlook section on this page gives the figures, with the groups they describe. Group numbers cannot predict one person's outcome.

No. ALL is the most common cancer in children. NCI says it makes up about 25% of childhood cancers in the United States and occurs most often between ages 1 and 4. But it also affects teens and adults. In US SEER data for 2019 to 2023, the median age at diagnosis was 18, which means about half of the people diagnosed were 18 or older.

Both are fast-growing cancers of immature lymphoid cells. Tests on the leukemia cells show whether it began in B cells or T cells, and look for genetic changes that help guide treatment. Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL is usually a type of B-cell ALL, not a third separate kind; its BCR::ABL1 change means targeted medicines can be used. Age, response to treatment and other risk factors also shape the plan.

No. A donor transplant is considered for selected patients rather than everyone with ALL. Many people complete drug treatment without one. NCI notes that for children and teens, a stem cell transplant is rarely the first treatment and is used more often when ALL comes back. Transplant is also considered when the leukemia responds poorly to treatment or has high-risk features.

Common early signs include tiredness, fever, pale skin, and easy bruising or bleeding, including tiny red spots under the skin. Some people have bone or joint pain, swollen lymph nodes or a full feeling below the ribs. NCI notes early signs can seem like the flu or other common illnesses. These signs can have many causes, so blood and bone marrow tests are needed to diagnose ALL.

Yes, if their tissue type (HLA) is a close enough match. NCI says a brother or sister is most often the best match. NMDP explains that each brother or sister who has the same parents has a 1 in 4 chance of being a full match, so many patients do not have a fully matched sibling. Unrelated registry volunteers and half-matched parents or children can also be options.

For most children, yes. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children, and it is now very treatable. NCI says about 85% of children aged 1 to 18 on current treatment are expected to live long-term with no relapse or other major setback. Some groups, defined by gene changes and a fast, deep response to treatment, do even better. Infants, teens and adults face a harder course. Group numbers cannot predict how one child will do.

NCI estimates that about 3,100 children and teens younger than 20 are diagnosed with ALL each year in the United States. ALL makes up about 1 in 4 cancer diagnoses in children younger than 15. It is most common between ages 1 and 4.