Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells. It starts in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the bones where blood cells are produced1. The disease progresses rapidly and creates immature blood cells, rather than mature ones2.

Symptoms of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Symptoms can initially be non-specific, especially in children, but the most common symptoms include:

• Excessive bruising
• Bone ache
• Petechiae (tiny red spots or lines that appear on the skin due to low platelet count)
• Periodic infections
• Fever
• Pallor (a pale look)
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Increased size of liver and spleen

Causes of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

• The exact cause of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is usually unknown. It results from mutations (gene defects) in the bone marrow cells. Several underlying factors are responsible for this condition:
• Genetic factors such as Down syndrome and Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• Environmental factors such as exposure to radiation
• Abnormal immune response to common infections

Diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

 Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial since this condition progresses rapidly and is very aggressive. Diagnosis is typically based on blood tests and bone marrow examinations

Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL):

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the main treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. The drugs circulate throughout the body in the bloodstream, making chemotherapy effective for cancers such as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) that have spread throughout the body.

Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is typically divided into three phases:

1. Induction Chemotherapy:  This short and intensive phase usually lasts about a month. The aim is to destroy as many leukemia cells as possible.
2. Consolidation (Intensification) chemotherapy:  This intensive phase typically lasts for a few months.
3. Maintenance (Post-Consolidation) chemotherapy:  This less intensive phase typically lasts for about two years. 

During the more intensive phases of treatment, patients often experience serious side effects from chemotherapy, so they might need to spend time in the hospital.

The most commonly used chemotherapy drugs for ALL include Vincristine, Daunorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine, L-asparaginase, Methotrexate, and others.

Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)

A Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT), also known as a stem cell transplant, can treat patients who have ALL, including older patients. 

1. Autologous BMT for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant involves using the patient’s own stem cells. In the context of ALL, high-dose chemotherapy is first used to destroy leukemia cells. Then, the patient’s previously harvested healthy stem cells are reintroduced into their body to help restore normal bone marrow function.
2. Allogeneic BMT for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant involves using stem cells from a donor. This could be a sibling, an unrelated matched donor, or a partially matched family member. After high-dose chemotherapy, the donor’s stem cells are infused into the patient’s body. 

The best donor is often a close relative, such as a sibling, if they have the same tissue type as the patient4. If there are no siblings with a good match, the cells may come from an HLA-matched, unrelated donor.

Complications of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) 

After a prolonged period, complications may include frequent infections due to reduced blood cells, tumor lysis syndrome; the patient gets immuno-compromised due to drugs used in the treatment and lack of healthy white cells, bleeding, and infertility due to the drugs used.

Bone Marrow Transplant for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ALL – Bone marrow transplant (BMT), also known as a stem cell transplant, can treat patients who have ALL, including older patients. It replaces the unhealthy blood-forming cells (stem cells) with healthy ones.

Hospital Stay for treatment of Acute Lymphoblstic Leukemia

Hospital Stay for BMT in India for treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

The patient may need to stay for approximately 28 days in the case of Bone Marrow Transplant and, after discharge, will need to stay in India only for follow-ups.

Follow-up Care for BMT Doctors recommend against travelling during the first 100 days after a transplant and avoiding air travel or public transport for 9 to 12 months following a transplant if possible5.

Flying Back After BMT Doctors recommend against travelling during the first 100 days after a transplant and avoiding air travel or public transport for 9 to 12 months following a transplant if possible5.

Why to Choose HBG Medical Assistance for ALL

Choosing HBG Medical Assistance: Your Comprehensive Partner for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

HBG connects you with top doctors and hospitals in India, which all offer comprehensive treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). HBG Medical Assistance, a premier medical travel organization in India, provides an all-encompassing suite of services to global patients looking for sickle cell treatment in the country.

They facilitate the entire process by offering assistance with visa procedures and accommodation arrangements. They provide logistical support to ensure a smooth journey. Each patient is assigned a dedicated case manager for personalized care. They strive to minimize waiting times and offer cost-effective treatment options.

HBG Medical Assistance prides itself on maintaining transparency in costs. Patients are given the liberty to choose from top hospitals in India. To overcome language barriers, they also provide translator services. Their comprehensive approach ensures a hassle-free medical travel experience for international patients.

Doctors and Hospitals Best for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment in India