Diagnosis guide
Leukemia
Leukemia is a broad name for cancers of the blood cells. Doctors sort it in two ways. Acute leukemia grows fast and usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated; chronic leukemia grows more slowly. Myeloid leukemia starts in cells that would become red cells, platelets or some kinds of white cells. Lymphoid (lymphocytic) leukemia starts in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Tests then find the exact subtype and its gene changes, and these results help guide treatment. A donor stem cell transplant is an established option for selected people with some types, such as higher-risk AML and ALL. Most people with CLL or CML are treated without one.
In short
- Leukemia is a broad name for cancers of the blood cells, sorted as acute or chronic and as myeloid or lymphoid.
- Tests find the exact subtype and its gene changes, and these results help guide treatment, which may be chemo, targeted medicines or other therapies.
- A donor stem cell transplant is used for selected people with some types, such as higher-risk AML and ALL, while most people with CLL or CML are treated without one.
Find the subtype on your report
The exact diagnosis shapes the treatment options. Your care team can explain the name on your report.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fast-growing cancer of blood-forming cells. Treatment is tailored to the leukemia’s genetic features, response to therapy and the person’s health; some people benefit from a donor stem cell transplant.
Donor transplant optionAcute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a distinct form of AML, usually driven by a PML::RARA gene fusion. It can cause dangerous bleeding, but prompt treatment with differentiation medicines allows many people to recover without a stem cell transplant.
Limited transplant roleTherapy-related AML and MDS (t-AML, t-MDS)
Therapy-related AML and MDS are blood cancers that can develop months or years after chemotherapy or radiation for an earlier illness, usually another cancer. The WHO calls this group myeloid neoplasms post cytotoxic therapy. It is treated much like other AML and MDS, and it is often harder to treat.
Donor transplant optionB/myeloid mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL)
B/myeloid mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is an acute leukemia with defining features of both B-lymphoid and myeloid lineages. Expert review of cell markers and genetics is needed because this is different from ordinary B-ALL or AML with an occasional extra marker.
Donor transplant optionB-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 optionPhiladelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)
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 optionT-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 optionChronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a blood cancer driven by the BCR::ABL1 fusion. Most people start with a targeted medicine, while a donor stem cell transplant remains an option for resistant disease or progression.
Limited transplant roleChronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) are two presentations of the same mature B-cell cancer. Many people initially need monitoring; targeted medicines are the usual treatment, and donor transplantation is reserved for selected difficult-to-treat disease.
Limited transplant roleHairy cell leukemia (HCL)
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare, slow-growing cancer of B cells that builds up in the bone marrow and spleen and lowers normal blood counts. Nearly all classic cases carry a BRAF V600E change in the leukemia cells.
Limited transplant roleT-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL)
T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare, often aggressive cancer of mature T cells. It can produce a very high lymphocyte count, enlarged organs, skin involvement and systemic symptoms.
Donor transplant optionChronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a blood cancer with both abnormal blood-cell development and excess monocytes. Treatment depends on its pace and risk; a donor stem cell transplant is the established option with curative potential for eligible people.
Donor transplant optionJuvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML)
Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare blood cancer of early childhood driven by abnormal RAS-pathway signaling. Most children need a donor stem cell transplant, while a small genetically defined group may follow a different course.
Donor transplant option
Support for patients and families
These independent organizations offer information and support. JBF is not affiliated with them.
- Leukemia Research Foundation US nonprofit that funds leukemia research and offers peer support, education programs and financial assistance to patients and their families.United States
- Leukaemia Care UK charity with a free helpline, support groups and practical help for anyone affected by leukemia, including families and caregivers.United Kingdom
- Leukaemia Foundation Australian charity for people with blood cancer, with support coordinators by phone, support groups and accommodation help for people traveling for treatment.Australia
Someone may be waiting for a match.
Some people with leukemia are treated with a transplant from a donor. When no relative matches, that donor is often a stranger who joined a registry.
Join the registry
JBF points you to the official registry that serves your country. It explains who can join and what donation involves.
Help a family run a drive
If someone you love needs a donor, a registration drive can add many potential donors at once, for them and for others.
Support this work
Gifts to the Jada Bascom Foundation support donor-awareness education like this guide, community outreach, drive planning and referrals to official registries.
Sources and further reading
- Leukemia
MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2023-11-09 - Leukemia
National Cancer Institute, Accessed 2026-09-24 - Indications for haematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR-T for haematological diseases, solid tumours and immune disorders: 2025 EBMT practice recommendations
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2025-09-09
