Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Keyword(s):
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common hematologic neoplasm in pediatric age. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) comprises 80% of all acute leukemias in this age group. Although the etiology is unknown, some genetic, viral and environmental predisposing factors have been detailed. The clinical manifestations are usually the result of bone marrow by leukemic cells (anemia, thrombopenia and neutropenia). The diagnosis is made by morphological, cytogenetic and molecular analysis of bone marrow aspirate. The treatment lasts about two years. The prognosis of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia has improved brilliantly in recent decades thanks to new drugs and treatment tailored to patients' risk.