Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

If you’re affected by acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), you may have many questions about how it is diagnosed, treatment options, side effects and how to stay well. You can find trustworthy information about all aspects of your experience below.

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What is ALL?

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a blood cancer that starts when immature white blood cells called blasts become cancerous.

Symptoms

Learn about the common symptoms of ALL and when to see your doctor.

For your community

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Getting diagnosed

Find out about the tests for ALL, how it is classified, and who will provide your care.

Treating ALL

Common treatments for ALL include chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, targeted therapy and radiation therapy.

Managing side effects

Learn about the potential effects of ALL treatments and how to manage them.

Life after treatment

Learn about follow-up care, what happens if the cancer returns, and how to look after your physical and mental health.

Questions for your doctorAsking your doctor questions will help you make an informed choice. You may want to include some of the questions below in your own list.

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Diagnosis

What type of leukaemia do I have?
How fast is the leukaemia growing?
Are the latest tests and treatments for leukaemia available in this hospital?
Will a multidisciplinary team (MDT) be involved in my care?
Are there clinical guidelines for this type of leukaemia?

Treatment

What treatment do you recommend? What is the aim of the treatment?
Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?
If I don’t have the treatment, what should I expect?
How long do I have to make a decision?
I’m thinking of getting a second Can you recommend anyone?
How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
Are there any out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare or my private health cover? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
How will we know if the treatment is working?
Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?

Side effects

What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
Will I have a lot of pain? What will be done about this?
How long will I have to have off work or away from my usual activities?
Will the treatment affect my sex life and fertility?
Should I change my diet or physical activity during or after treatment?
Are there any complementary therapies that might help me?

After treatment

How often will I need check-ups after treatment?
If the leukaemia returns, how will I know? What treatments could I have?

Learn about acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

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This information was last updated in January 2025. See who reviewed this content.

Dr Jonathan Sillar, Haematologist, Calvary Mater Newcastle (clinical review); Dr Scott Dunkley, Haematologist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse; Sharon Frazer, Consumer; Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Staff Specialist, Haematology, Concord Hospital; Prof Angela Hong, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, and Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney; Yvonne King, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Heather Mackay, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Haematology, Westmead Hospital; Katelin Mayer, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Cancer Outreach Team, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

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