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Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

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Abstract

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy in children, accounts for one-fourth of childhood cancers. The incidence peaks in children aged between 2 and 5 years, which is higher in boys than girls. Genetic factors, environmental factors, viral infection, and immunodeficiency have been associated with ALL. However, the cause of ALL remains unknown. ALL may be found on incidental finding on a routine blood cell count of an asymptomatic child or as a life-threatening hemorrhage or infections. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings and laboratory examinations included: leukemic lymphoblasts examination for morphologic, immunologic, cytogenetic and molecular genetics characterizations. The treatment typically consists of four phases: a remission induction, intensification, CNS prophylaxis and continuation therapy, and should be adapted on the local situation. Leukocyte count, age at diagnosis and immunophenotype are important prognostic factors.

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Abbreviations

ALL:

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

AML:

Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia

DNA:

Deoxyribonucleic Acid

EFS:

Event-Free Survival

CNS:

Central Nervous System

WBC:

White Blood Cell

GIT:

Gastro Intestinal Tract

LDH:

Lactate Dehydrogenase

DIC:

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

FAB:

French American British

WHO:

World Health Organization

CD:

Cluster of Differentiation

CNS:

Central Nervous System

6-MP:

6-Mercaptopurine

MTX:

Methotrexate

TLS:

Tumor Lysis Syndrome

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Dr Sardjito Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

    Eddy Supriyadi & Pudjo Hagung Widjajanto

Authors
  1. Eddy Supriyadi
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  2. Pudjo Hagung Widjajanto
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eddy Supriyadi .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Medical Oncology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) & Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal

    Ramon Andrade De Mello

  2. Oncology Department, Henry Dunant Hospital Center, Athens, Greece

    Giannis Mountzios

  3. Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal

    Álvaro A. Tavares

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Supriyadi, E., Widjajanto, P.H. (2019). Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. In: De Mello, R., Mountzios, G., Tavares, Á. (eds) International Manual of Oncology Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16245-0_40

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