WHAT IS ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKAEMIA (ALL)? Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow – the spongy tissue inside the bones where the various types of blood cells are made. It develops from a type of white blood cell central to the immune system called Lymphocyte. The term “acute” implies that the condition typically progresses rapidly and creates large numbers of immature lymphocytes called lymphoblasts.
As the number of lymphoblasts increases, the number of red blood cells and platelets decreases. These lymphoblasts are less effective at fighting bacteria and viruses and they invade the blood to spread throughout the body to other organs, such as the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Although rare, ALL is the most common type of childhood leukaemia, and treatment results in a good chance for a cure. ALL can also occur in adults, though the chances of…
