Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

What Is Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia?

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a form of blood cancer that develops from immature lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in the bone marrow. It is also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In ALL, lymphocytes can spread to other parts of the body, including the spleen, liver, brain, spinal cord, testicles and lymph nodes.

ALL is referred to as "acute" because it can occur suddenly and progress very quickly. Recent advances in the development of treatments have significantly lengthened the lives of patients diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Learn more about acute lymphocytic leukemia symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, RWJBarnabas Health’s compassionate team of experts in blood cancer will work together to create a personalized treatment plan that is right for you.

Request an Appointment

Why Choose Us for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Care

In partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute, we have the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, meeting the highest standards in cancer research, treatment, prevention and education in the nation. We offer the most advanced treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplants, targeted therapy and access to clinical trials, many of which are not available elsewhere.

RWJBarnabas Health, Rutgers Cancer Institute, and NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center logos

New Jersey’s Largest Network of Cancer Specialists

We offer access to New Jersey’s largest network of cancer specialists, including nationally and internationally recognized hematologists/oncologists, radiation oncologists, advanced practice nurses and oncology support professionals with advanced credentials in cancer specialty care with expertise in blood cancers.

Oncology Nurse Navigators Guide You Through Your ALL Journey

Nurse navigators help secure appointments, coordinate follow-up visits related to treatments and procedures, and guide you through aspects of survivorship.

To contact one of New Jersey’s best blood cancer specialists call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Symptoms

ALL symptoms can include:

  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue or low energy

More severe symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia can include:

  • Frequent infections
  • Bone pain
  • Bleeding from the gums
  • Lumps or swollen lymph nodes
  • Frequent or severe nosebleeds

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Diagnosis

To diagnose leukemia, a doctor will conduct a thorough medical history, gather important information regarding how long a patient has had symptoms, the types of symptoms, and whether the patient has been exposed to any risk factors. The doctor may order any of the following tests to make a diagnosis:

  • Blood tests. May reveal an abnormal white blood cell count (too high or too low), a low red blood cell and platelet count, or the presence of blast cells – immature cells found in the bone marrow.
  • Bone marrow test. A needle is used to remove a small sample of bone marrow from the hipbone or breastbone. The sample is sent to the laboratory and examined for leukemia cells, categorizing them based on their size, shape, and molecular features.
  • Imaging tests. An X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound may be ordered to determine if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
  • Spinal fluid test. Used to determine if cancer cells have spread to the spinal fluid – the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. During a spinal tap, a small sample of spinal fluid is collected and then tested for cancer cells.

State-of-the-Art Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment

Working together with your health care team, we will develop an individualized treatment plan.

When developing a treatment plan, we will consider:

  • B or T cell lymphocyte involvement
  • Genetic changes present in leukemia cells
  • Age
  • Lab test results

ALL treatment options can include:

  • Chemotherapy. This is the main way to treat ALL. It uses medicines to kill cancer cells. The medicines may be injected into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to prevent cancer growth or to reach cancer cells around the brain and nervous system in what is known as intrathecal chemotherapy or central nervous system prophylaxis.
  • Radiation therapy. This type of therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used to kill or prevent the spread of cancer in the nervous system. It may be used right before a stem cell transplant. Or in rare cases, it may be done to shrink a tumor.
  • Stem cell transplant with high-dose chemotherapy. If the normal doses of chemotherapy do not work, a doctor may prescribe very high doses of chemotherapy. These high doses can damage the stem cells in bone marrow. These cells, known as blood stem cells, are important because they are the “starter” cells for new blood cells. In some cases, before chemotherapy, the doctor removes some stem cells from a volunteer donor and freezes them. They are then given to the patient after treatment to restore the body's lost blood cells in what is known as a stem cell transplant.
  • Targeted therapy. These are medicines that target abnormal proteins, such as those made by the Philadelphia chromosome. The drugs are taken in pill form.

View Leukemia Clinical Trials

Facts About Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

  • ALL is a rare disease that makes up less than 1 percent of the diagnosed cancer cases in the United States each year.
  • Children younger than age 5 have the highest risk of ALL.
  • The 5-year ALL survival rate for patients under age 20 is 89 percent according to the American Cancer Society.

Questions? Contact Us

Your team at RWJBarnabas Health is here to address any questions or concerns that you might have. We will help you understand how you will feel and function during and after treatment.

Together, you and your RWJBarnabas Health care team will craft a treatment plan that is right for you.

To contact one of New Jersey’s best blood cancer specialists call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.

Patient Stories

  • “The treatment continues to go well, and I feel good. I love the fact that it’s a pill—no IV or needles. I’m back to work, traveling, going to church and doing all the things I enjoy.”

    Cynthia
    Read More
  • “I consider myself very fortunate,” shares Maria. “I took part in the clinical study with the goal to help others.”

    Maria
    Read More
  • "Joining the I-SPY 2 clinical trial was the biggest 'no brainer'."

    Norine
    Read More

Patient Stories

  • Watch Testimonial
  • Watch Testimonial
  • Watch Testimonial
Medical Specialty Services at Bayonne
16 East 29th Street
Bayonne, NJ 07002
(973) 926-7280
View
Cristie Kerr Women's Health Center
377 Jersey Avenue
Ground Floor, Medical Office Building
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(877) 393-5374
View
Center for Breast Health and Disease Management - Westfield
560 Springfield Ave
Westfield, NJ 07090
(973) 322-7020
View
RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center
200 South Orange Avenue
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-7000
View
Community Medical Center’s Comprehensive Breast Center
368 Lakehurst Rd
1st Floor, Suite 102
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 557-3363
View
The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center at Howell
4013 Route 9
Suite 2S
Howell, NJ 07731
(732) 923-7700
View
The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center at Colts Neck
310 Route 34 South
Second Floor
Colts Neck, NJ 07722
(732) 923-7700
View
Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation Infusion Center
414 Grand Street
Suite 9
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 915-2730
View
The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center at Monmouth Medical Center
300 Second Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-7700
View
Jersey City Medical Center Radiation Oncology
631 Grand Street
Jersey City, NJ 07304
(844) 226-2376
View
Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center
94 Old Short Hills Road
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-5000
View
Monmouth Medical Center
300 Second Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 222-5200
View
Clara Maass Medical Center
1 Clara Maass Drive
Belleville, NJ 07109
(973) 450-2000
View
Community Medical Center
99 Highway 37 West
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 557-8000
View
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
View
Children's Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
View
Rutgers Cancer Institute
195 Little Albany St.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 235-2465
View
Jersey City Medical Center
355 Grand Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 915-2000
View
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at RWJUH
200 Somerset Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 828-3000
View
RWJ University Hospital Rahway
865 Stone Street
Rahway, NJ 07065
(732) 381-4200
View
RWJ University Hospital Somerset
110 Rehill Avenue
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 685-2200
View
The Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center at Lakewood
600 River Ave
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 923-7700
View
Trinitas Regional Medical Center – Williamson Street Campus
225 Williamson St
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
(908) 994-5000
View
The Unterberg Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center
300 2nd Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
(732) 923-7250
View
Monmouth Medical Center Outpatient Infusion Center
100 State Route 36 West
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
(732) 222-6046
View
RWJ University Hospital Hamilton
1 Hamilton Health Place
Hamilton, NJ 08690
(609) 586-7900
View
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
1 Robert Wood Johnson Place
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 828-3000
View
Center for Breast Health and Disease Management - Livingston
200 South Orange Avenue
Suite 102
Livingston, NJ 07039
(973) 322-7020
View
Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
600 River Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
(732) 363-1900
View
The Family Health Center (FHC) at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
166 Lyons Avenue
Newark, NJ 07112
(973) 926-7000
View
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
125 Paterson Street
Clinical Academic Building (CAB)
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 235-6200
View
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Group at Monroe
800 Bunn Drive
Suite 303
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 655-5178
View
Laurie Proton Therapy Center
141 French Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 253-3176
View
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Group
18 Centre Drive
Clinical Academic Building (CAB)
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(609) 655-5178
View
Cancer Center at RWJ Hamilton
2575 Klockner Road
Hamilton Township, NJ 08690
(609) 631-6960
View

Blood Cancer Treatment & Care

offered at these locations in your neighborhood

View All Locations