Medical Health Encyclopedia

Responding well to early treatment is a good sign regardless of the risk category.

Outlook in Adults with ALL. Adults tend to have a more severe condition than children, even if they are carrying the same ALL genes. Between 60 - 80% of adults with ALL can expect to achieve full remission with standard treatments and between 35 - 40% survive beyond 2 years with aggressive treatments. Younger adults with ALL have better long-term survival rates than older adults with the disease.

Long-Term Physical Effects of Treatments

The intense treatments required by ALL can have serious short- and long-term side effects. Some long-term complications of particular concern are discussed here as well as in the section on treatments.

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Fatigue and General Feelings of Ill Health. Long-term effects of the disease and its treatments may include fatigue and general aches and pains, which can have a negative impact on daily life.

Osteoporosis. Loss of bone density (osteoporosis) is a side effect of corticosteroids. Patients or their parents should discuss approaches to reduce this risk. Many therapies of protecting bone are available.

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes progressive loss of bone density, thinning of bone tissue, and an increased risk of fractures. Osteoporosis may result from disease, dietary or hormonal deficiency, or advanced age. Regular exercise and vitamin and mineral supplements can reduce and may even reverse bone loss.

Heart Disease. Some of the treatments increase risk factors for future heart disease, including unhealthy cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Patients with ALL should be sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be regularly monitored for heart risks to help reduce these effects.

Click the icon to see an image of cholesterol.