Kyle is confirmed as having common acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. He is under 10 years has less than 50 wcc at presentation and has B cell disease so he is treated on Regimen A (lowest risk group). The latest results with this protocol suggest Kyle would have an overall survival in excess of 90%.
- Leukaemia is the most common form of childhood cancer. There are two main types of childhood leaukemia: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia. The majority of cases (80%) are of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
- Presenting symptoms are those associated with loss of function of cells which normally make up the bone marrow (anaemia and lethargy, infection, bruising).
- The primary treatment for ALL is chemotherapy using intensive and lengthy regimens lasting btw 2-3.5years. The choice of regimen is risk stratified and based on the age of the child, the white count at presentation, presence of T cell disease and cytogenetic abnormalities within the tumour cells.
- Treatment advances are now aimed at reducing late effects and maintaining the excellent survival rates but giving reduced treatment to those with easier to treat disease and intensifying treatment for those with high risk features. But with this approach >85% of children can be cured.