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Cancer is a disease in which the cells in the body begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. There are different types of cancer. Cells in any part of the can become cancer when the regulation of cell formation and cell death goes wrong. Leukemia is a type of cancer in which cells multiply without control and these cells would normally develop into different types of blood cells (WBCs)There are several types of leukemia which are based on fast-growing that is acute and slow growth that is chronic. It is also based on the cells involved like myeloid and lymphoid cells.
ALL Full Form
What is the full form of ALL? ALL full form is Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia or sometimes it is also called Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cancer or leukemia that grows and progresses rapidly and if not treated would probably be fatal in a few months (acute) and it develops from early immature forms of lymphocytes, a white blood cell (lymphocytic). ALL grow in the bone marrow which is the soft inner part of certain bones and is the place of origin and development for some of the blood cells. Most often, leukemia invades the blood cells of the body quickly. Apart from white blood cells, they can also spread to other parts of the body like lymph nodes, liver, spleen, brain, spinal cord and also in testicles of males.
Leukemias like ALL mainly affect the bone marrow and blood while lymphoma affects lymph nodes or other organs. Sometimes it is harder to differentiate between lymphoma and leukemia. ALL is the most common type of cancer that occurs in children, treatment has a good chance of cure, but it affects adults, though the chance for betterment is greatly reduced.
Causes of ALL
When bone marrow develops and changes occur in its genetic material or DNA (mutation), acute lymphocytic leukemia occurs. A cell’s DNA contains the instructions that regulate the cell functions. Usually, cell formation, division, proliferation and cell death are controlled by DNA. The mutation can inhibit the regulation of cell growth and division and thus the production of blood cells becomes out of control. Cancer invades immature white blood cells also known as lymphoblast. These cells are unhealthy and cannot perform the cell function properly like the normal cells.
Symptoms
Lack of RBCs- Fatigue, shortness of breath, feeling cold, dizziness
Lack of healthy WBCs- More infections than usual and fevers
Lack of platelets- Bruises, severe nosebleeds, bleeding gums, unusual bleeding from minor cuts.
Lumps caused by swollen lymph nodes in armpits, neck, abdomen or groin.
Risk Factors
Genetic disorders- Genetic diseases like Down syndrome are related to an increased risk of ALL
Previous Cancer treatment- People who have already done certain types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other types of cancer may have high chances of ALL.
Radiation exposure- People who are exposed to high levels of radiation like nuclear reactor accidents can develop ALL easily.
Diagnosis of ALL
Blood test- A complete blood count (CBC) gives you the blood count and the smears can be used to check how the blood cells look
Bone marrow test- The bone marrow sample is collected from the chest or hips via needle and the specialist will check for signs of ALL under a microscope.
Others- Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds and spinal tap.
Treatment of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chemotherapy- Introduction of a mix of drugs to either destroy or slowly inhibit the cancer cell growth, usually for a couple of years.
Targeted therapy- This therapy involves the drugs that target specific parts of the cancer cells and tend to induce fewer or milder effects.
Radiation Therapy- The doctor uses high-energy radiation to kill the cancer cells if they have reached the brain or bone.
Immunotherapy- The drugs like Blincyto and Besponsa boost the immune system to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. FDA approved CAR T cell therapy, which uses T cells of the patient to treat cancer.
Stem cell transplant- Stem cells grow into healthy cells. It might be the patient’s own or of the donor. If a patient can’t get high doses of chemotherapy and radiation then he/she might lower the doses using a mini transplant.
Conclusion
As we enter into the modern generation, the next generation of medical innovations has facilitated the revolution and understanding of the genetics of ALL. Unlike other types of cancer, in ALL, even if it spreads to other parts of the body, it does not mean that the cancer is in the advanced stage. Acute lymphocytic leukemia generally spreads throughout the body and still can be cured by treatment methods. So, the evolving and complex landscape of ALL and its emerging therapeutic options for the remission and older patients is the main focus of the recent studies.
