Leukemia

Treatment of Children

Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer. Leukemia causes the body to make many abnormal white blood cells. Of the 2,000 cases diagnosed in the United States annually:

• About 70 percent are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (called ALL).
• About 20 percent are acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
• About 5 percent are chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), similar to the adult form of CML.
• About 5 percent are juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML).

The types of leukemia are related to the types of white blood cells that are affected.

Treatments vary for the different types of leukemia. The most common treatment is chemotherapy often followed by radiation, if appropriate. Other therapies include stem cell or bone marrow transplantation.

Mayo has been approved to perform bone marrow and cord blood (stem cell) transplants for leukemia and other conditions. These transplants are conducted in the pediatric transplant unit at Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital, young patients receive high-quality care in a child-friendly environment.

Cure rates for different leukemias vary, but all rates have improved greatly during the past three decades. Other factors that affect treatment success include:

• Age
• White blood cell count
• Chromosomal abnormalities

Mayo Clinic efficiently coordinates the medical specialists and care required to diagnose and successfully treat pediatric leukemia. The clinic's multidisciplinary group practice closely integrates all required specialties and subspecialties.

In some situations, stem cell transplantation is advisable. The ideal donor is a matched family member. Stem cells from a matched unrelated donor, cord blood, or a half-matched parent can be used.