Cytogenetic Analysis
A cytogenetic analysis is a test in which the cells in a sample of blood or bone marrow are looked at under a microscope to find out if there are certain changes in the chromosomes in the lymphocytes. For example, sometimes in ALL, part of one chromosome is moved to another chromosome. This is called the Philadelphia chromosome.
Immunophenotyping
Immunophenotyping is a test in which the cells in a blood sample or a bone marrow sample are looked at under a microscope to find out if malignant (cancerous) lymphocytes began from the B lymphocytes or the T lymphocytes.
Stages of Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Once adult ALL has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if the cancer has spread to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or to other parts of the body. The extent or spread of cancer is usually described as stages. It is important to know whether the
leukemia has spread outside the blood and bone marrow in order to plan
adult ALL treatment.
There is no standard staging system for adult ALL. The disease is classified as untreated, in remission, or recurrent.
Treatment for Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Different types of treatment are available for patients with adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in clinical trials.
Current adult ALL treatment options include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy with stem cell transplant.
There are also two phases of adult acute lymphoblastic
leukemia treatment. These phases include remission induction therapy and maintenance therapy. Choosing the most appropriate adult ALL treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.
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