Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a fast-growing cancer of a
type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells are
found in the bone marrow and other parts of the body. Acute
lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) occurs when the body produces a large
number of immature lymphocytes. The cancer cells grow quickly
and replace normal cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the
soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all blood
cells. ALL prevents healthy blood cells from being made. Life-
threatening symptoms can occur. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to
check for leukemia cells in the spinal fluid Tests are also done
to look for changes in the DNA inside the abnormal white cells.
Certain DNA changes may determine what kind of treatment the
person receives and the outlook. The first goal of treatment is
to get blood counts back to normal. If this occurs and the bone
marrow looks healthy under the microscope, the cancer is said to
be in remission. Chemotherapy is the first treatment tried with
the goal of ac