Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) : Complete Guide

In the human body, blood is a body fluid that contains its specific cells. These are classified as red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). Each blood cell has its own type that performs different functions in the body. White blood cells play a defensive role against infection in our body. They are composed of lymph tissues and are produced in the bone marrow. When there is abnormal production of lymph tissues, it converts into aberrant cells. These cells form a type of blood cancer. This cancer is referred to as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It affects bone marrow and blood cells, particularly white blood cells (lymphocytes).

What is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a kind of blood cancer that affects mostly white blood cells and bone marrow. Bone marrow is responsible for forming blood cells. In this cancer, bone marrow begins to generate immature and rapid production of white blood cells. That results in cancerous cells. It is a kind of spongy tissue found inside the bones. It is the fastest-growing cancer and highly affects children.
The "acute" here justifies the rapid and immature proliferation of WBCs, not mature ones.

Types of ALL

ALL is divided based on the type of affected blood cells and genetic characteristics. Some major types are listed below:

B-cell ALL: This type of cancer results from the formation and secretion of immature B lymphocytes. This cancer accounts for about 85% of childhood cases and 75-80% of adult cases.

Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL (Ph+ ALL): This kind of ALL is distinguished by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome, which is the result of chromosomal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22. This eventually leads to the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene.

T-cell ALL (T-ALL): It is the less common cancer type but frequently affects young adults and adolescents. In this type of cancer, a high number of white blood cells are formulated and it directly affects the lymph nodes.It affects about 12-15% of childhood cases and 25% of adult cases.

Causes & Risk Factors

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia can be caused due to any reason, as it may vary from person to person. The exact reason is still unknown. Research is still going on into the factors that lead to changes in DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). The risk is related to age, genetics, daily exposure, and lifestyle. Several risk factors are believed to increase the chance of cancer. Some risk factors are listed below:
Genetic Mutations: The ALL does not have strongly inherited from one generation to another. However, genetic syndrome plays a crucial role in raising the risk of getting it. Genetic sydrome may include down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Bloom syndrome, and Fanconi anemia.​
Radiation Exposure: Exposure to high radiation levels increases the risk of developing blood cancer. When a person is exposed to techniques such as radiation that use high-frequency energy, their risk of developing blood cancer increases.
Chemical Toxins: Exposure to carcinogenic or certain chemicals may increase the risk of getting diagnosed with ALL.
Viral Infections: Certain chronic infections like human T-cell lymphoma/leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are seem to linked to be a cause of Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Symptoms & Early Signs

When something is wrong with the human body internally, it gives several indicators. The symptoms of blood cancer are completely determined by the type of disease and its stage. When the person is diagnosed with acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, the symptoms are not detectable in the early stages. When aberrant cells develop and progress to an advanced degree, symptoms can be observed. The most commonly found symptoms are listed below:

Fever
Fatigue
Infection
Headache
Low appetite
Abdominal pain
Bone & joint pain
Skin inflammation
Nausea & vomiting
Difficulty in breathing
swollen lymph nodes
Unusual bleeding and bruising
inflammation in lymph nodes
losing weight without any known reason

Diagnosis & Tests

If blood cancer is identified in its early stages, it is treatable. Various assays have been developed over time to establish the presence of cancer cells in the blood. If you are seeing any symptoms listed above, visit an oncologist for a proper diagnosis. Some of the major diagnostic methods to detect ALL are listed below:
Blood tests (CBC, peripheral smear): These tests involve all tests that can be carried out with a blood sample. These tests include a complete blood count (CBC), KFT and LFT, and a peripheral blood smear. Blood is observed under microscope for any change in composition and change in shape & size.
Bone marrow biopsy: Bone marrow samples are extracted from the bone marrow through a long, sharp needle. Abnormal cells are studied in detail to confirm the disease.
Flow cytometry: Blood samples are run through a flow cytometer to detect the cancer-affected cells in the blood. This test is usually done to identify the type of blood cells affected by cancer.
Genetic testing: when the genes get mutated or transformed into a cancer gene. Any person in the family who gets diagnosed with cancer increases the chances of getting diagnosed with this disease. Genetic testing helps to detect if there is a mutation or genetic factor.
Imaging tests: X-ray, MRI, CT scan, and PET scan come under this category. These tests help to confirm the signs of cancer in the blood.
Lumbar Puncture: A sample of fluid is taken from the brain and spinal cord to check the presence of cancer cells in the blood.

Staging & Prognosis

The stage of the disease determines the type of treatment. Blood cancer does not produce solid tumors, hence it is staged differently than other malignancies. The stage is determined by the morphology of the blood cells and the symptoms present.
STAGE 0: The number of white blood cells increases during this stage. There are no apparent signs at this point.
STAGE 1: In this stage, inflammation begins in the lymph nodes, accompanied by an increase in the number of white blood cells.
STAGE 2: Lymph nodes begin to enlarge in this stage. A person with blood cancer will have a high white blood cell count and an enlarged liver.
STAGE 3: The main symptom of this stage is anemia, which is characterized by a high white blood cell count. Swelling of the lymph nodes and liver is noted.
STAGE 4: Platelets have reduced and white blood cells have grown significantly in this stage. Anemia is sometimes accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage of cancer diagnosed. The treatment is determined on the patient's age, health condition, and medical history. Some of the therapy alternatives are discussed below:
Chemotherapy: It is the most conventional method of cancer treatment that improves the quality of life and overall increases the chances of survival rate of patients. It includes anticancer medications that can be administered intravenously (IV) or orally and move throughout the body to eliminate cancer cells. Chemotherapy is done at proper intervals to cure this cancer so that cancer cells can die and normal cells can get time to recover from the drug damage. Imarech 400mg Tablet is a drug used as a chemotherapy treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It is available at Magicine Pharma at a cost-effective price.
Targeted Therapy: It is the most successful treatment option for treating leukemia. Targeted therapy is a treatment that specifically targets cancer cells. Drugs are injected into the patient's veins, aiming to kill cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses external high-energy rays including X-rays, gamma rays, and heavy metals to destroy the cancer cells. It kills cancer cells that cannot be eliminated through surgery. Radiation therapy may also assist to delay the progression of cancer and alleviate symptoms. It reduces the tumor's capacity to grow again. The majority of advanced-stage cancer patients receive this therapy. It is given to cancer patients when chemotherapy doesn't work effectively.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is used to increase immunity to cancer cells. Patients are given these medications to boost their immune systems to fight cancer.
Stem Cell Transplant: The Doctor uses heavy doses of chemotherapy along with radiation therapy to kill the cancer cells. Once completed, blood-forming stem cells are injected into the patient to regenerate bone marrow.

Side Effects:

Following cancer treatment, the human body shows undesirable effects. Typically, they fade away as the body responds to the medication. These side effects do not require medical treatment. If these symptoms worsen, you should see a doctor.
Some of the most prevalent side effects are given below:
Acidity
Joint pain
Dry mouth
Indigestion
Weight loss
Constipation
Blood in cough
Change in taste
Abdominal pain
Irregular heartbeat
Difficulty in breathing
Unusual bleeding and bruising

Latest Research & Advances:

Researchers are focusing on developing precision medicine and organized diagnosis options to detect Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at early stages. Clinical trials for advanced medicines are still ongoing. These trials help to make treatment more effective for the patients and identify how it can be improved. To improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects, new therapeutic medications were discovered in targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combination cancer therapies.
New trials and treatments are focusing on specific gene mutations as a cause of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It is also being investigated how well our immune system fights cancer. To enhance diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, it is important to understand its epigenetic process. Various clinical trials and revolutionary drug discoveries offer promises to patients with blood cancer, aiming to improve their lives and lessen the side effects of treatment.

Living with ALL: Coping and Support:

Living with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is a roller coaster ride. It takes to be a cost of physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial well-being. There are various methods through which anyone can run up this journey throughout their life. Doctors prescribe certain tasks to cope with and support the Life of Cancer Patients: They not only improve the lives of cancer patients but also enhance the overall health and survival rate of patients. Some of these methods are discussed below:
Regular medical follow-ups: Even after the treatment completes, it is advised to do regular medical follow up and screening. If ALL regenerates, it will be possible to detect it at a very early stage and damage it.
Psychological Support: Psychological feelings such as anxiety and depression are usual to be part of life after treatment. To support patients mentally, the doctor advised psychological therapy. One can even get emotional support from family, friends, or support groups.
Physical Activity: Daily exercise, a healthy diet, and a maintained lifestyle are recommended after treatment to keep an eye on overall health. Heavy medications cause the body to degrade during cancer therapy. So, physical activity and connection with nature will heal your body and even soul.

FAQs

Q-What is the survival rate for people with acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

A-With current treatments, 80-90% of individuals recover completely, while 40-50% relapse. The average survival rate of cancer patients increases for 5 years with effective treatment.

Q-Is acute lymphoblastic leukemia curable?

A-It is quite impossible now to completely cure acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, anticancer drugs and other treatment options can treat it by improving the overall health & survival rate of patients. Various therapies can help to alleviate the symptoms.

Q-What are the symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

A-The most common symptoms include fever, Headache, Tiredness, Mouth sores, Muscle or joint pain, Stomach pain, and difficulty breathing.

Q-What is the exact cause of getting diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

A-Various genetic and environmental factors are responsible for causing acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Conclusion

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is not just a disease. It costs for overall support and self-strongness. Recent advancements in treatment and diagnosis are reaching an edge. To combat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, regular interval screening is crucial. With advancements in medical research, early diagnosis and treatment plans have significantly improved survival rates, especially among children. However, the journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery can be challenging for both patients and families.
Not only emotional support but being financially strong is super important. Anticancer drugs are costly and may affect pockets. To cope with this, Magicine Pharma has come in light. It is an online pharmacy brand well known for supplying anticancer medicines and supporting cancer patients worldwide. You will find better and lower prices of all anticancer medicine here than on market. Just visit the website and support cancer patients.

Reference

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20369077