Treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

A team of doctors and other professionals discuss the best treatment and care for your child. 

Treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is divided into different phases. The main treatment is chemotherapy. Find out more about each phase.

Decisions about treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

Your child’s treatment is divided into phases. Get information on how doctors decide on treatment for childhood ALL.

Induction treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

Induction treatment takes around 4 weeks. The aim of induction is to get rid of as many leukaemia cells as possible.

Consolidation, delayed intensification and high risk block treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

The aim of these phases is to further reduce and get rid of any leukaemia cells that may be left in the bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Maintenance treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

The aim of maintenance treatment is to get rid of the few remaining leukaemia cells.

Treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia that has not gone away with treatment or has come back

It can be more difficult to treat relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). But there are treatments available.

Stem cell or bone marrow transplant for childhood ALL

Your child has a stem cell or bone marrow transplant after high doses of chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy to the whole body.

Last reviewed: 
05 Nov 2021
Next review due: 
05 Nov 2024