The short answer
Leukemia is cancer of the blood-forming cells and is the most common cancer in children. The most common childhood type is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Most children are treated with chemotherapy, and cure rates for childhood ALL are high.
Leukemia is the most common cancer in children.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type in children; acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is next.
Leukemia begins in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made.
Chemotherapy is the main treatment, sometimes with targeted therapy or a stem cell transplant.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells and is the most common cancer in children. It begins in the bone marrow — the soft center of bones — and can crowd out the healthy blood cells the body needs.
The main types in children
Leukemia is grouped by which blood cell it starts in and how fast it grows:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) — the most common childhood leukemia; grows quickly
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) — the next most common; also fast-growing
- Chronic leukemias — slow-growing types that are rare in children
How it is treated
Chemotherapy is the main treatment for childhood leukemia, usually given over several phases across months to a few years. Depending on the type and risk group, a child may also receive targeted therapy, radiation, or a stem cell transplant.
The outlook
Survival rates for childhood ALL are among the highest of any childhood cancer, and treatment continues to improve through clinical trials. Your child's team assigns a risk group that helps guide how intense treatment needs to be.
Most children with ALL, the most common type, can be cured.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells. It usually begins in the bone marrow, the soft center of bones where blood cells are made.
▸Which type is most common in children?
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common leukemia in children. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the next most common.
▸How is childhood leukemia treated?
Chemotherapy is the main treatment. Some children also receive targeted therapy, radiation, or a stem cell transplant depending on the type and risk group.
▸What are the symptoms?
Common signs include fevers, easy bruising or bleeding, frequent infections, bone or joint pain, tiredness, and pale skin. Only a doctor can diagnose leukemia with blood and bone marrow tests.
▸Can childhood leukemia be cured?
Many children are cured, especially those with ALL. Your child's team can explain the outlook for the specific type and risk group.
Questions to ask your doctor
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