Childhood leukemia is the most common type of cancer affecting children worldwide. It occurs when the body produces abnormal white blood cells, which grow uncontrollably and crowd out healthy blood cells. While hearing the word “leukemia” can be overwhelming for parents and caregivers, advancements in medical research have significantly improved the chances of survival and recovery.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about childhood leukemia, including the survival rates, different types, and available treatment options. We’ll also look at the symptoms to watch for and the latest medical advancements that offer hope to children and families facing this diagnosis. We aim to provide you with clear, simple information to help you better understand this condition and the available resources for treatment and support.
Table of Contents
Childhood Leukemia Survival Rate
Over the years, significant advancements in treatment have dramatically improved survival rates. The 5-year survival rate is a commonly used statistic that refers to the percentage of children who live at least five years after their leukemia diagnosis. For acute leukemias, such as Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), children who are free of the disease after five years are very likely to have been cured, as it is rare for these cancers to return after this period.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) has seen a significant increase in the 5-year survival rate over time, now standing at about 90% overall. This improvement is attributed to better risk stratification and advancements in treatment protocols. Children in lower-risk groups generally have a better outlook than those in higher-risk groups, but it is important to note that even children in higher-risk groups can often still be cured.
For Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), the overall 5-year survival rate has also increased and is currently in the range of 65% to 70%. However, survival rates can vary depending on the subtype of AML and other factors. For instance, the cure rate for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a subtype of AML, is now higher than 80%, although rates are lower for some other subtypes.
Less common forms of childhood leukemia, such as Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML) and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), have more variable survival rates. JMML has reported a 5-year survival rate of about 50%. CML, which is rare in children, presents a different scenario where 5-year survival rates are less indicative of being cured due to the potential for long-term survival with the disease.
Types Of Childhood Leukemia
There are different types of childhood leukemia, and understanding the differences can help you know more about how it affects children and the treatment options available. Here are the main types:
1. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
– What it is: This is the most common type of childhood leukemia, making up about 75% of cases. “Acute” means that it progresses quickly, and “lymphoblastic” refers to the white blood cells called lymphocytes that become abnormal.
– How it affects children: ALL starts in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made, and quickly spreads to other parts of the body. It causes the body to produce too many immature white blood cells, which crowd out healthy cells.
– Outlook: With modern treatments, the survival rate for ALL in children is very high, with about 90% of children achieving long-term remission.
2. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
– What it is: AML is another fast-growing type of leukemia but is less common than ALL, making up about 15-20% of childhood cases. It affects a different type of white blood cell called myeloid cells, which normally help fight infections and other diseases.
– How it affects children: Like ALL, AML causes an overproduction of abnormal cells that crowd out healthy cells, leading to infections, anemia, and bleeding problems. AML is generally more difficult to treat than ALL.
– Outlook: Survival rates for AML are lower than ALL but still improving. About 65-70% of children with AML are successfully treated.
3. Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML)
– What it is: JMML is a rare and chronic (slower-growing) type of leukemia that affects young children, typically under the age of 4. It involves both myeloid and monocytic cells, two types of white blood cells.
– How it affects children: JMML does not grow as quickly as ALL or AML, but it can still be very serious. It causes the bone marrow to produce too many of the affected white blood cells, leading to symptoms such as pale skin, fever, and frequent infections.
– Outlook: JMML is challenging to treat, and the best hope for a cure is usually a bone marrow transplant. With this treatment, about 50% of children can achieve long-term remission.
4. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
– What it is: CML is a rare type of leukemia in children, accounting for only about 2-3% of childhood leukemia cases. Unlike ALL and AML, CML develops slowly over time and affects myeloid cells.
– How it affects children: CML often has few symptoms early on and maybe discovered during routine blood tests. As it progresses, it can lead to fatigue, weight loss, and an enlarged spleen.
– Outlook: Thanks to targeted therapies, many children with CML can manage the disease for many years. These treatments help control the disease, and many children can live full, healthy lives.
5. Infant Leukemia
– What it is: This is a rare form of leukemia that occurs in children under one year old. Both ALL and AML can happen in infants, but it is treated as a separate category because infants tend to respond differently to treatment.
– How it affects children: Infant leukemia often grows rapidly and can be more difficult to treat compared to leukemia in older children.
– Outlook: Treatment for infant leukemia is challenging, and the survival rates are lower than for older children. However, ongoing research is improving the chances of survival.
How To Prevent Childhood Leukemia?
1. Healthy Pregnancy Practices: Ensuring a healthy pregnancy is crucial. This includes regular prenatal care, avoiding exposure to radiation, and not smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
2. Breastfeeding: If possible, breastfeeding can be beneficial. Some studies suggest that breastfeeding might have a protective effect against childhood leukemia.
3. Limiting Exposure to Radiation: Avoid unnecessary exposure to high levels of radiation. Medical imaging tests that use radiation, such as X-rays or CT scans, should only be used when necessary, especially in children.
4. Promoting a Healthy Immune System: Exposure to common childhood infections may play a role in a healthy immune system development. This doesn’t mean that children should be deliberately exposed to infections, but rather not overly protected from routine exposure to germs.
5. Healthy Diet & Exercise: Encouraging a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and regular physical activity can contribute to overall health, which may help the body’s ability to prevent various diseases.
6. Avoiding Known Carcinogens: Reduce exposure to known carcinogens such as benzene and certain pesticides, which have been linked to an increased risk of leukemia.
Childhood Leukemia Treatment
Treatment options for childhood leukemia in India include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
Chemotherapy is often the first line of treatment and involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is a critical component of leukemia treatment and can be administered orally or intravenously. The cost of chemotherapy in India starts from approximately ₹25,100.
Targeted therapy is a newer form of treatment that uses drugs to target specific genetic markers in cancer cells. This form of therapy can be more effective and less harmful to normal cells than traditional chemotherapy. The estimated cost for targeted therapy in India begins at around ₹420,000.
HSCT, also known as bone marrow transplant, is a medical procedure that replaces the diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It is a complex treatment option and is generally considered when other treatments have not been successful. The cost for a bone marrow transplant can start from ₹12,60,000. It’s important to note that these costs are estimates, and the actual expenses can vary.
How Is Childhood Leukemia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing childhood leukemia involves several key steps:
1. Medical History &Physical Exam: The doctor reviews the child’s symptoms and performs a physical exam to check for signs like swollen lymph nodes or bruising.
2. Blood Tests: A complete blood count (CBC) checks for abnormal levels of white and red blood cells and platelets, which can indicate leukemia.
3. Bone Marrow Test: A small sample of bone marrow is taken, usually from the hip, to look for leukemia cells under a microscope.
4. Lumbar Puncture: This test checks for leukemia cells in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.
5. Imaging Tests: X-rays or CT scans may be used to see if leukemia is affecting organs like the liver or spleen.
6. Genetic Testing: Tests identify specific genetic changes in the leukemia cells to guide treatment decisions.
Most Common Signs And Symptoms Of Leukemia In Childhood
Leukemia in children can be tricky to detect at first because its early signs often look like common childhood illnesses. However, there are specific symptoms that parents and caregivers should be aware of. Here are the most common signs of childhood leukemia:
1. Frequent Infections and Fevers
– Children with leukemia often get sick more frequently. This happens because leukemia weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Even minor colds or infections might last longer or return more often, accompanied by fever.
2. Paleness or Tiredness (Fatigue)
– If a child seems unusually tired all the time or looks very pale, it could be a sign of anemia, which is common in leukemia. This happens because leukemia affects the body’s ability to produce enough red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body.
3. Easy Bruising or Bleeding
– Children with leukemia may bruise easily or have tiny red or purple spots (called petechiae) on their skin. They may also have frequent nosebleeds or bleed more than usual from minor cuts. This is due to low platelet counts, which help the blood clot.
4. Bone or Joint Pain
– Leukemia can cause pain in the bones or joints because the abnormal white blood cells can build up inside the bone marrow. If a child complains of aches in their legs, arms, or back without an obvious reason, it’s important to pay attention.
5. Swollen Lymph Nodes
– You might notice lumps or swelling in your child’s neck, underarms, or groin. These are swollen lymph nodes, which can enlarge when the body is fighting an infection. In leukemia, this happens because the lymph nodes may fill with abnormal white blood cells.
6. Swollen Belly (Abdomen)
– Leukemia can cause the spleen or liver to enlarge, leading to a swollen belly. A child might feel full quickly or experience discomfort on the left or right side of the abdomen.
7. Loss of Appetite & Weight Loss
– Children with leukemia might not feel like eating and could lose weight quickly. This is often due to the body using up energy to fight the illness or because of discomfort caused by an enlarged spleen or liver.
8. Frequent Headaches or Dizziness
– If leukemia spreads to the brain or spinal cord, it can cause headaches, dizziness, or even vision problems. These symptoms are less common but should not be ignored, especially if they appear alongside other signs.
9. Night Sweats
– Some children may experience excessive sweating at night, which can soak through their clothes and sheets. This can be a sign that their body is reacting to leukemia.
If a child shows any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor for proper testing and diagnosis. These signs don’t always mean leukemia, but early detection is key for better outcomes.
Childhood Leukemia Causes
The exact cause of childhood leukemia is still not fully understood, but researchers believe it happens due to changes in the DNA of blood cells. These changes can cause the blood cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to leukemia. There are a few factors that might increase the chances of a child developing leukemia:
1. Genetic Factors
Some children are born with genetic conditions that increase their risk of getting leukemia. For example, children with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder, are more likely to develop leukemia. Other inherited conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome and neurofibromatosis can also raise the risk.
2. Environmental Factors
Though rare, exposure to certain environmental factors can play a role. Children exposed to high levels of radiation (such as from radiation therapy) or chemicals like benzene (found in factories or cigarette smoke) may have a higher risk of developing leukemia.
3. Weakened Immune System
Children with a weakened immune system due to medical treatments like organ transplants or certain immune system diseases are at a greater risk. Their body’s ability to fight off infections and abnormal cells is reduced, which can lead to conditions like leukemia.
4. Family History
Having a family member, especially a sibling, who has had leukemia slightly increases a child’s risk. However, most cases of childhood leukemia do not have a direct link to family history.
5. Random DNA Changes
Sometimes, leukemia occurs due to random DNA mutations that happen by chance. These changes can happen early in a child’s development, even before birth, but they do not always lead to leukemia.
Conclusion
Childhood leukemia, though a challenging diagnosis, has seen improved survival rates thanks to advances in treatment. Early detection, proper diagnosis, & effective therapies can make a huge difference. With the right medical care, many children with leukemia can go on to lead healthy lives.
Treating childhood leukemia can be expensive, with costs for chemotherapy, hospital stays, and medications adding up quickly. Many families struggle to afford these treatments. Crowdfunding platforms offer a way for families to raise money by sharing their story with a larger community. Through donations from friends, family, and even strangers, families in India can gather the financial support they need to cover treatment costs, giving their children a better chance at recovery.
