Leukemias · Diagnosis guide
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a cancer of immature lymphoid cells. Tests distinguish B-cell ALL from T-cell ALL and identify genetic changes that help guide treatment. Philadelphia-positive ALL is usually a subtype of B-cell ALL, not a third parallel cell type; its BCR::ABL1 change makes targeted medicines relevant. Treatment also depends on age, response to therapy and other risk factors. A donor transplant is considered for selected patients, rather than everyone with ALL.
Explore the subtypes
The exact diagnosis helps explain the options. Your care team can clarify the name on your report.
- Condition guide
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of immature B lymphocytes. Treatment often controls it without transplant, while donor transplantation and selected immunotherapies are important for some higher-risk or relapsed cases.
Donor transplant option - Condition guide
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of immature T cells. Treatment uses an ALL regimen; donor transplantation is considered when the response or disease features indicate a substantial risk of relapse.
Donor transplant option - Condition guide
Philadelphia-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL is usually a B-lineage acute leukemia containing the BCR::ABL1 fusion. The fusion makes an overactive growth-signaling enzyme, so treatment includes medicines directed at that target.
Donor transplant option
Understanding can become action.
Some patients need a blood stem cell donor. Others receive different treatment. Wherever your interest began, you can help JBF reach more people who may be able to donate.
Explore the official registry serving where you live. It explains who can join, how registration works and what donation involves.
Find your official registryIf joining is not right for you, a gift to the Jada Bascom Foundation supports education, outreach and referrals to official registries.
Donate to JBFSources and further reading
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ) — National Cancer Institute
- Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ) — National Cancer Institute
