Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Key facts

• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow where the body produces abnormal lymphocytes at an uncontrolled rate. It's the most common childhood cancer and also occurs in adults.
• Symptoms often appear suddenly: persistent fatigue, unexplained bruising or bleeding, recurrent infections, bone pain, and swollen lymph nodes, all caused by abnormal cells crowding out healthy blood cells.
• Treatment depends partly on whether the cancer carries a genetic change called the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+); targeted therapy with dasatinib is central to treatment for eligible patients with this subtype.
• Broader supportive care falls under oncology treatment.
• Seek medical attention without delay for sudden unexplained bleeding, a very high fever, or severe breathlessness.

What's happening

ALL starts in the bone marrow, where immature white blood cells called lymphoblasts multiply out of control instead of maturing into working lymphocytes. Because the marrow's normal job is to supply the blood with red cells, white cells, and platelets, this overgrowth quickly crowds out healthy production and the effects show up throughout the body within days or weeks.

Recognising ALL

Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include persistent fatigue, unexplained bruising or bleeding, recurrent infections, bone pain, and swollen lymph nodes. These arise because abnormal cells crowd out the bone marrow's healthy blood cells, leaving too few working red cells, white cells, and platelets. A blood test and bone marrow biopsy confirm the diagnosis and identify the leukaemia's specific genetic features.

How it's managed

Treatment depends on whether the cancer carries a specific genetic change called the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+). Ph+ ALL is a more aggressive subtype, and targeted therapy with agents such as dasatinib has become central to treatment for eligible patients. Broader supportive care sits within oncology care, alongside chemotherapy regimens tailored to each person's disease and response.

When to see a doctor

If you or someone you care for develops sudden unexplained bleeding, a very high fever, or severe breathlessness, seek medical attention without delay.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.