There are many factors that physicians consider when developing a treatment strategy.
After studying large numbers of patients with ALL, it was clear to researchers that some patients did better than others, even though they received the same course of treatment. By evaluating thousands of patients, researchers were able to compile a list of factors that indicate a favorable or unfavorable prognosis. These factors include age, sex, and complete blood count numbers. The patient's initial response to therapy is also a good indicator of the long-term prognosis.
Patients who are likely to have a good outcome are treated less intensively so that they experience fewer side effects. Patients who are at a high risk of disease recurrence are treated more intensively.
Over the last 30 to 40 years, the outlook for children with ALL has vastly improved. Once, the disease was almost always considered fatal. Today the cure rate for ALL is close to 80 percent.
