Outcome of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

The outcome of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia depends on several factors.

·         Age – older people have laser survival rates.
·         White Blood Cell Count – Higher the initial number of white cells, high the chances of recurrences in the central nervous system.
·         Immunophenotype – B cell is associated with poor prognosis.
          Pre B cell form has a better prognosis than B cell form.
         T cell form has better outcome than the both mentioned above 
·         Cytogenetic aberrations – patients with t(9;22) or t(4;11) are more prone to have poor outcome.
·         Time to response – high the time taken to achieve complete remission, higher the chances of failure.
 

It is good news to know that children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia have a better outcome. There is 100% complete remission rate.  But if recurrence occurs the outcome will be very bad.

References : Kumar P and Clark M, 2009. Clinical Medicine. 7th ed.