Each year, an estimated 13,500 children will be diagnosed with cancer (2); acute lymphocytic leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common cancer among children. This blood cancer (ALL) was first discovered by Peter Cullen in 1811 and was given the name leukämie by in 1847 (3). Abnormal white blood cells (Early lymphocytic precursor cells) force out healthy, immune fighting white blood cells which may also effect red blood cells and platelets.
Although preventative measures are not clearly determined, risk factors include exposure to radiation (including previous cancer treatment), chemicals, genetic disorders, patients with Down syndrome and having a brother or sister with ALL (7). Furthermore, children with Down syndrome have …show more content…
Their lower immune system bring controversy when deciding to vaccinate with ALL. ALL is most common in children between three to five years of age whom have not received a second dose of the varicella vaccination. If contracted, the mortality rate is 7%-10% without the antiviral vaccine (10). Vaccinating with all may cause life threatening side effects. Chemotherapy must be withheld or in remission for one year. The center for disease Control and Prevention states that the risk of vaccine related complications and delayed treatment, outweigh the possible benefits of the vaccine during treatment for leukemia. Alternatives include vaccinating household family members to protect the patient’s health …show more content…
Treatment usually consist for three years and includes three phases: induction, consolidation and maintenance (9). Induction involves intensive chemotherapy with frequent doctor visits and possible hospital stays. Once in remission, the consolidation phase of short rounds of chemotherapy are used for a few months. With a poor prognosis, stem cell transplant or a clinical trial is the next step. Maintenance therapy is the last course of action, this phase last for two years and is not needed for every patient.
Outlook for leukemia depends on type, advancement and response to chemotherapy. Younger patients and female patients tend to respond to treatment and are more likely to go into remission. Overall, eight out of ten patients with ALL will go into remission and 90% of children younger than fourteen will survive beyond five years after
Although preventative measures are not clearly determined, risk factors include exposure to radiation (including previous cancer treatment), chemicals, genetic disorders, patients with Down syndrome and having a brother or sister with ALL (7). Furthermore, children with Down syndrome have …show more content…
Their lower immune system bring controversy when deciding to vaccinate with ALL. ALL is most common in children between three to five years of age whom have not received a second dose of the varicella vaccination. If contracted, the mortality rate is 7%-10% without the antiviral vaccine (10). Vaccinating with all may cause life threatening side effects. Chemotherapy must be withheld or in remission for one year. The center for disease Control and Prevention states that the risk of vaccine related complications and delayed treatment, outweigh the possible benefits of the vaccine during treatment for leukemia. Alternatives include vaccinating household family members to protect the patient’s health …show more content…
Treatment usually consist for three years and includes three phases: induction, consolidation and maintenance (9). Induction involves intensive chemotherapy with frequent doctor visits and possible hospital stays. Once in remission, the consolidation phase of short rounds of chemotherapy are used for a few months. With a poor prognosis, stem cell transplant or a clinical trial is the next step. Maintenance therapy is the last course of action, this phase last for two years and is not needed for every patient.
Outlook for leukemia depends on type, advancement and response to chemotherapy. Younger patients and female patients tend to respond to treatment and are more likely to go into remission. Overall, eight out of ten patients with ALL will go into remission and 90% of children younger than fourteen will survive beyond five years after