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Medical glossary

ALL: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

ALL is an acute leukaemia arising from immature cells of the lymphoid line. It is the most common cancer in children, but adults get it too.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Large purple lymphoblasts among red blood cells in a smear from T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Figure 1.Smear in ALL: large lymphoblasts

01Short answer

ALL can be B-cell or T-cell type. Genetics (for example the Philadelphia chromosome) and response to treatment (MRD) define the risk group. Treatment is long: induction, consolidation, intensification and a maintenance phase lasting many months, including protection of the central nervous system. After relapse, immunotherapy, CAR-T and transplant are options.

02Simple explanation

The lymphoid line.

Common in children.

B or T.

Long treatment.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: ALL is a cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many immature lymphocytes.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Risk group

Age, genetics and MRD.

A child and an adult
Figure 2.A child and an adult.

Maintenance

Long-term treatment at home.

A long road
Figure 3.A long road — ALL: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Risk groupAge, genetics and MRD.
MaintenanceLong-term treatment at home.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

B-ALL
ALL arising from B lymphocytes.
Maintenance therapy
A long phase to keep remission.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

How do children do?

Results have improved greatly in recent decades; your doctor will explain your situation.

Why is it so long?

To clear remaining cells.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. How do children do?

  2. Why is it so long?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  2. National Cancer Institute. Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  3. National Cancer Institute. Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  4. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  5. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  6. American Cancer Society. Low Blood Counts
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: biopsy
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: chromosome
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: karyotyping
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cytogenetics
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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