The Effects Of Stem Cell Therapy In The Treatment Of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Abstract

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a cancerous transformation in the blood and bone marrow beginning with progenitor cells. With developing research into treatment options, there is now a 90% survival rate. However, high relapse rates have become the next challenge to overcome. Relapse rates increase with a variety of markers including age of diagnosis, white blood cell counts, and response to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and radiation have been the standard of care in the past, but are typically accompanied by secondary malignancies later in life. Researchers believe that stem cell therapies may offer alternative options to high-risk patients.