Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Counseling

Oncology social workers help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Contact us at 800‑813‑HOPE (4673) or info@cancercare.org.
Learn more about counseling.

Resource Navigation

Learn more about how CancerCare Resource Navigation can help you address barriers to care.

Financial Assistance

Find resources and support to manage your financial concerns. Limited assistance from CancerCare^® is available to eligible families for cancer-related costs.

Support Groups

Connect with others in our free support groups led by oncology social workers.

Online

• Blood Cancers Caregiver Support Group
• Blood Cancers Patient Support Group

Community Programs

Learn about and view the full calendar of our free community programs.

Specialized Programs

CancerCare offers specialized programs to address specific populations and concerns.

Coping Circle Workshops

Virtual educational and supportive workshops led by oncology social workers and qualified co-facilitators. These workshops cover numerous topics and are offered in English and Spanish.

Connect Education Workshops

Listen in by telephone or online as leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information about cancer-related issues in one-hour workshops. Podcasts are also available.

Upcoming Workshops

General Topics

• Understanding Treatment-Related Skin Toxicity: Practical Tips to Cope with Rash, Dry/Itchy/Peeling Skin and Nail Changes, Jan 17, 2025

Podcasts

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

• Update on CAR T-Cell Therapies, Oct 22, 2024
• Taking Your Blood Cancer Adherence Treatment on Schedule, Jun 11, 2024
• CAR T-Cell Therapy: What’s New, Mar 19, 2024
• Adults Living with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Treatment Updates, Mar 1, 2024
• New Treatments for Childhood Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Jan 9, 2024
• Updates from the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, Dec 14, 2023
• Update on CAR T-Cell Therapies, Jun 27, 2023
• Adults Living with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Treatment Updates, Jun 9, 2023
• Update from the 2022 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, Dec 15, 2022
• New Treatments for Childhood Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Aug 2, 2022
• Adults Living with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Treatment Updates, May 6, 2022
• Life with Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) Post Allogeneic Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplantation: New Treatment Approaches, Apr 28, 2022
• Adjusting to Your Blood Cancer Treatment Over Time: Challenges and Opportunities of Taking Your Treatment on Schedule, Apr 26, 2022
• What’s New in Diagnostic Technologies for People Living with Blood Cancers, Jan 31, 2022
• Transplantation as a Treatment Option for Blood Cancers, Jun 24, 2021

General Topics

• Cancer in the Workplace, Health Insurance, Finances and Returning to School, Dec 13, 2024
• Challenges Young Adults with Cancer Face: Coping Tips, Dec 6, 2024
• Chemotherapy: Novel Approaches to Prevent and Manage Gastrointestinal Treatment Side Effects, Nov 22, 2024
• Caregiving for Your Loved One with Cancer, Sep 23, 2024
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Sep 10, 2024
• Current Perspectives on the Future of Cancer Research, Jun 27, 2024
• How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment, Jun 17, 2024
• What’s New in Precision Medicine, Jun 12, 2024
• Caring for Your Loved One with Cancer, May 13, 2024
• Diverse Populations Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Apr 22, 2024
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Apr 8, 2024
• Understanding the Different Names for Biomarker Testing & Their Role in Selecting the Best Treatment for You, Mar 4, 2024
• Chemotherapy: Novel Approaches to Prevent and Manage Gastrointestinal Treatment Side Effects, Feb 16, 2024
• Understanding the Important Role that Biomarker Testing Plays in Informing the Treatment of Cancer, Feb 12, 2024
• Young Adult Survivorship: Fertility, Sexuality and Intimacy, Feb 9, 2024
• Addressing the LGBTQI+ Health Disparities Gap, Jan 19, 2024
• Challenges Young Adults with Cancer Face: Coping Tips, Dec 15, 2023
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Nov 28, 2023
• Diverse Populations Participating in Decisions About Your Care With Your Health Care Team, Jun 28, 2023
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, Jun 26, 2023
• Addressing the LGBTQI+ Health Disparities Gap, Jun 16, 2023
• Clinical Trials: How They Transform the Treatment of Cancer, Jun 7, 2023
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Its Importance in Managing Cancer, May 24, 2023
• Update on COVID for People Living with Cancer & Their Caregivers, May 22, 2023
• Understanding How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment and Care: With Tips and Strategies to Find the Best Cancer Treatment and Health Care Team for You, May 15, 2023
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, May 2, 2023
• Caring for Your Loved One with Cancer, Apr 3, 2023
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, Jan 23, 2023
• Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Aug 22, 2022
• Chemotherapy Treatment Side Effects: Prevention & Management, Jun 10, 2022
• Clinical Trials: How They Transform the Treatment of Cancer, May 18, 2022
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Why It Is So Important in Managing Cancer, May 4, 2022
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, May 3, 2022
• Managing the Side Effects of Immunotherapy, Apr 27, 2022
• Understanding How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment and Care: With Tips & Strategies to Find the Best Cancer Treatment & Health Care Team for You, Mar 21, 2022
• Emerging Importance of Telemedicine/Telehealth Appointments in Communicating with Your Health Care Team, Mar 16, 2022
• COVID-19, Omicron & Delta Variants, COVID-19 Vaccines & Booster Vaccines: Revised Guidelines for People Living with Cancer and Their Loved Ones, Feb 7, 2022
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Jan 24, 2022
• Preventing, Managing & Treating Infection in Adults Living with Cancer, Oct 25, 2021
• How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment & Care, Jun 21, 2021
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Feb 9, 2021
• The 9/11 Community, Cancer & COVID-19, Jan 25, 2021
• How Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers Improve Treatment Decisions for People Living with Cancer, Dec 7, 2020
• Cancer and Flu Shots, Nov 9, 2020
• Caregiving for Your Loved One Living with Cancer, Nov 3, 2020
• Preventing and Managing Infections in Adults Living with Cancer, Oct 26, 2020
• Managing the Cost of Living with Cancer, Sep 23, 2020
• Veterans Living with Cancer, Jun 26, 2020
• Treatment Adherence: Taking Your Pills on Schedule – Why It Is So Important, Jun 24, 2020
• What are Biosimilars? Understanding Their Role in Cancer Treatment: Current and Future Perspectives, Jun 18, 2020
• Current Perspectives in Cancer Survivorship, Jun 16, 2020
• For Caregivers: Care Coordination for Your Loved One Living with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Apr 22, 2020
• Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Apr 8, 2020
• Cancer and The Workplace: Understanding Your Legal Protections, Mar 25, 2020
• Understanding the Costs of Care and Your Health Care Coverage, Mar 18, 2020
• Trends in Oncology and Treatment Planning: What You Need to Know, Mar 4, 2020
• Care for Your Bones During & After Cancer Treatment: Tips to Improve Bone Health, Nov 18, 2019
• Preventing Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting, Oct 28, 2019
• Joys and Challenges of Pets in Your Home When You Have Cancer, Apr 8, 2019
• Treatment-Related Rash and Dry Skin, Jun 20, 2018
• Mind Body Techniques to Cope with the Stresses of Cancer, Nov 15, 2017
• Living with Cancer Throughout The Cancer Journey, Mar 10, 2017
• Managing Sensory Disruptions During Cancer Treatments, Dec 5, 2016
• For Health Care Professionals: Care Coordination for Older Men Living with Cancer, Aug 23, 2016
• Nutrition and Healthy Eating Tips During and After Cancer Treatments, Feb 1, 2016
• Healthy Eating and Managing Weight Changes During Cancer Treatment, Apr 13, 2015
• Highlights of the Affordable Care Act, Nov 11, 2014
• Managing Cancer Pain: What You Need to Know, Mar 21, 2014
• Young Adult Survivorship: Fertility, Sexuality and Intimacy, Jun 28, 2013
• Understanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for People Living with Cancer, Dec 12, 2012
• Managing Post-Treatment Neuropathy, Jul 17, 2012
• Recapturing Joy and Finding Meaning, May 15, 2012
• Planning Your Comfort and Care at End of Life, May 10, 2012
• Using Mind/Body Techniques to Cope with the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 24, 2012
• Nutrition, Physical Activity and You: A Guide for People Living With Cancer, Nov 15, 2011
• Fear of Recurrence and Late Effects: Living with Uncertainty, Jul 12, 2011
• Stress Management for Caregivers: Taking Care of Yourself Physically and Emotionally, Jun 14, 2011
• The Challenges of Coping with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Jun 1, 2011
• Weight Changes After Cancer Treatment: Why is it Happening and What Can I Do About It, May 10, 2011
• Mouth Pain and Discomfort: All You Need to Know About Mouth Sores and Oral Mucositis, Apr 27, 2011
• Helping Children and Teens Understand When a Parent or Loved One Has Cancer, Apr 20, 2011
• Chemobrain: The Impact of Cancer Treatments on Memory, Thinking and Attention, Apr 12, 2011
• Survivors Too: Communicating With and Among Family, Friends and Loved Ones, Jul 13, 2010
• Communicating with Your Health Care Team After Treatment: Making the Most of Your Visit, May 18, 2010
• Trouble Sleeping? Sleep Better to Feel Better: Tips You Can Use, Apr 13, 2010
• Helping Teachers and Educators Support Siblings of Children with Cancer, Oct 8, 2009
• Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy, Jul 16, 2009
• Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones - Managing the Fatigue of Caregiving, Jun 23, 2009
• The Importance of Nutrition and Physical Activity, May 19, 2009
• For Parents, Caregivers and Professionals: Helping Brothers and Sisters of Children Living with Cancer, May 14, 2009
• Dental Health During Cancer Treatments, Apr 24, 2009
• Managing the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 14, 2009
• Balancing Cancer and Careers: Living and Working with Cancer, Mar 12, 2009
• For Caregivers: Coping with Holidays, Special Occasions and Birthdays, Throughout the Year, Dec 12, 2008
• Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones, Jun 24, 2008
• Rediscovering Intimacy in Your Relationships Following Treatment, May 13, 2008
• The Importance of Communicating with Your Doctor About Follow-Up Care, Apr 22, 2008
• Finding Hope and Meaning After Treatment, Jun 19, 2007
• My Treatment is Over: Why Do I Feel So Alone and Sad?, May 15, 2007
• Managing Your Costs of Recovery, Jun 20, 2006
• Balancing Your Needs and Your Role as a Caregiver, Jun 13, 2006
• Is It My Cancer or Am I Getting Older?, May 23, 2006
• The Bereaved Caregiver in the Workplace, May 10, 2006
• Stress Management Tips for Survivors, Apr 25, 2006
• The Challenge of Creating Supportive Work Environments for Employees with Cancer and Their Caregivers, Apr 5, 2006

Publications

Read or order our free Connect booklets and fact sheets offering easy-to-read information about the latest cancer treatments, managing side effects and coping with cancer.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

• Treatment Update: Blood CancersNew
• Bone Marrow Transplantation as a Treatment Option: What You Need to Know

General Topics

• Coping With Cancer: Tools to Help You LiveNew
• Caregiving for Your Loved One With Cancer
• Talking to Children When a Loved One Has Cancer
• Communicating With Your Health Care Team
• Sources of Financial Assistance
• Finding Resources in Your Community
• If You've Just Been Diagnosed
• What Can I Say to a Newly Diagnosed Loved One?
• Advice for Caregivers: How Can You Help Yourself?

Ask CancerCare

Every month, featured experts answer your questions about coping with cancer. View all questions and answers.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

• Q.

  I'm worried my husband has some ongoing side effects from his treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Do you know if there are specialists who treat side effects from treatments?

  A.

  Blood cancers are called hematopoietic cancers and treated by hematologists (doctors who specialize in blood disorders). Blood cancers consist of three types: leukemia, disease of the blood; lymphoma, disease of the lymphatic system; and multiple myeloma, disease of the bone marrow. There are numerous subtypes of all three blood cancers, especially among lymphomas and leukemias. The diagnosis is very important because it will directly impact the treatment options, and different treatments may result in different side effects.

  ALL is a cancer of the white blood cells, the cells in the body that normally fight infection. Most cases of leukemia are associated with changes in genes and chromosomes in the cancerous white cells, which is the case for ALL.

  Because many standard cancer treatments are very powerful, they also carry a risk of side effects; loss of hair, fatigue and nausea are the most common. Most side effects go away after treatment. However, some treatments can have ongoing and on occasion permanent side effects, which can include neuropathy, “chemobrain” and anemia, among others.

  The professionals who make up his treatment team are the best people to address his side effects. His doctor might adjust treatment when side effects are dangerous or harmful. If side effects continue post-treatment, again his treatment team is the best source for help. Your husband may be prescribed medications to help manage side effects, or referred to a specialist who can monitor and treat side effects. Specialists include physical therapists, neurologists, psychiatrists, nutritionists or other specialized health care professionals.

  Please take a look at our Connect Education Workshop podcasts that address the side effects of treatment. In addition, CancerCare also offers a number of publications that might be helpful in managing side effects.

  Additional resources addressing ALL treatment and side effects include: - Leukemia and Lymphoma Society - National Cancer Institute’s Adult ALL Treatment Summary

  Answered by
  Richard Dickens, MS, FAOSW, LCSW-R

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:

  leukemiaacute lymphoblastic leukemiaside effects

From Our Blog

• Blood Cancers & Watchful Waiting

Featured Resource

Magnolia Meals at Home

A meal delivery program that helps patients by providing nourishing meals to households affected by cancer. Is currently available in and around Woodcliff Lake, NJ and Andover, MA, Raleigh-Durham, NC and New Haven, CT (as well areas in New York, New Hampshire and Boston, MA). For more information please visit magnoliamealsathome.com or contact Kathy Nugent, LCSW at 800-813-4673, ext. 6809.

Stories of Help and Hope

Read inspiring personal accounts from people affected by cancer and the ways they've found to cope.

• Nolan D., Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia