Treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) depends on age, subtype, and overall health. The goal is to destroy abnormal lymphoblasts and help the bone marrow make normal blood cells again.

Doctors usually recommend a step-by-step treatment plan:

1. Induction therapy

a. This is the first stage, lasting a few weeks.

b. Strong chemotherapy drugs kill as many leukemia cells as possible.

c. The aim is to bring the disease into remission, which means no cancer cells can be seen in tests.

2. Consolidation therapy

a. Even when remission is reached, some hidden cells may remain.

b. This stage uses more chemotherapy or targeted drugs to kill leftover cancer cells.

c. For patients with genetic changes like the Philadelphia chromosome, drugs like imatinib are added.

3. Maintenance therapy

a. Lasts for 2–3 years in many cases.

b. Low-dose chemotherapy is given to prevent relapse.

c. Regular blood tests are required during this phase.

4. Central Nervous System (CNS) treatment

a. Leukemia cells can hide in the brain or spinal cord.

b. Doctors inject chemotherapy directly into the spinal fluid (intrathecal therapy).

c. Sometimes, radiation therapy is added if needed.

5. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy

a. Targeted drugs attack cancer cells with specific genetic changes.

b. Monoclonal antibodies like blinatumomab help the immune system kill leukemia cells.

c. CAR-T cell therapy, though still limited in India, is a modern option for resistant cases.

6. Bone marrow or stem cell transplant

a. For high-risk patients or those who relapse, a transplant may be suggested.

b. Healthy stem cells from a donor replace the damaged bone marrow.

c. This offers a chance for long-term remission but requires careful monitoring.

7. Supportive care

a. Antibiotics, blood transfusions, and growth factors are used to manage side effects.

b. Nutrition, physiotherapy, and counselling are vital parts of recovery.

What is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?