Can acute lymphoblastic leukemia (type B) be cured?
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Based on risk stratification, B-cell ALL can be categorized into low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups. Patients with low-risk disease generally have a favorable prognosis and are often curable; in contrast, those with intermediate- or high-risk disease tend to have a poorer prognosis and require more aggressive treatment. The details are as follows:
For patients with low-risk B-cell ALL, the condition is relatively stable, with fewer leukemia cells present in the body and limited spread. Through treatments such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, the disease can be effectively controlled, increasing the likelihood of cure.
In intermediate- or high-risk B-cell ALL patients, leukemia cells proliferate more actively within the body, leading to a more severe clinical course and a relatively poorer prognosis. Early detection and standardized chemotherapy can help control the disease and improve the chances of cure. For some intermediate- or high-risk patients, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be necessary to achieve a cure.
In high-risk B-cell ALL patients, leukemia cells proliferate rapidly and may have widely disseminated to the bone marrow, blood, and other organs and tissues, resulting in a more severe disease state. These patients should receive more intensive treatment strategies, including high-intensity chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and potentially bone marrow transplantation, which may still extend survival and improve quality of life.
During and after treatment, patients should ensure adequate rest, avoid colds and infections, maintain clean and hygienic diets, and take other measures to support recovery.