Leukemia in children

At Advocate Children’s Hospital, our pediatric cancer center has extensive experience treating childhood leukemia. Most children receive chemotherapy, and our doctors use the latest techniques to manage its side effects.

We provide new treatments such as targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy for certain leukemias. Our doctors may recommend participation in clinical trials for some forms of the disease.

Advocate Children’s approach to childhood cancer care

Our expert cancer care team works with you and your child to find the best treatment and greatest chance for a cure. We get to know your whole family, with each appointment taking place in a comforting environment.

We have cancer centers in Park Ridge and Oak Lawn, letting your family avoid long, tiring drives into the city. Our social workers carefully organize appointments, bringing together the team you require and not keeping you longer than needed. On-call nurses are available 24/7 for questions and concerns.

 

About childhood leukemia

Childhood leukemia usually starts in white blood cells, but it can also begin in other types of blood cells. The disease builds up as the blood cells sit in the bone marrow before entering the bloodstream. Leukemia can spread throughout the body and is either fast growing (acute) or slow growing (chronic).

The most common type of leukemia is very treatable. Expectations for your child depend on the type of leukemia they have, along with other factors. Our doctors explain your child’s situation in detail throughout their treatment.

ALL, AML and other leukemia types in children

Most children with leukemia have an acute form of the disease. There are two types of acute leukemias, both with subtypes. Our doctors will help you understand your child’s situation and what it means for treatment. Types of leukemia include:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL): ALL is the most common type of leukemia, making up 75% of all childhood leukemia cases. It starts in lymphocytes, or early forms of white blood cells.
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): After ALL, this leukemia affects the highest number of children. It starts from myeloid cells, which usually turn into white or red blood cells or platelets.
• Chronic and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemias: These leukemias grow slowly and can pose more of a challenge to cure. The doctors at our cancer center will help your family understand the options for treating this condition.

Childhood leukemia signs and symptoms

Many childhood leukemia symptoms are similar to those of common childhood illnesses. If you have concerns about your child’s symptoms, schedule a visit with their pediatrician so you can find and treat the cause.

Children with leukemia may have infections or fevers. They may bruise easily or get nosebleeds. Other leukemia symptoms include:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Feeling cold, dizzy or lightheaded
• Breathing trouble
• Unusually pale skin
• Bone or joint pain
• Loss of appetite or weight
• Swollen belly, face or arms

If you see your pediatrician, they’ll ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history and do a physical exam. They may also do blood tests before giving you a referral for a pediatric oncologist who specializes in childhood cancer.

Childhood leukemia diagnosis

Our cancer center provides an accurate evaluation in the comfort of our warm and friendly offices. We review your child’s symptoms and perform additional tests.

Our expert pathologists, trained specifically in diagnosing childhood cancer, review the tests and get results to you quickly. Learn more about the diagnostic tests and imaging we provide.

Childhood leukemia treatments and side effects

Our doctors work with your family to develop a treatment plan. They discuss treatment options based on the type of leukemia your child has and their individual needs.

Clinical trials for treatments such as immunotherapy are an important part of caring for children with cancer, especially those with AML. Our care team discusses open clinical trials with you as a part of our shared decision-making process.

Childhood leukemia treatments include:

• Chemotherapy: Most children with leukemia receive chemotherapy. Doctors give anticancer drugs by mouth or inject them into a vein, a muscle, or the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. Sometimes doctors give high-dose chemotherapy. They might perform a stem cell or bone marrow transplant to help your child’s body handle this stronger chemotherapy.
• Targeted therapy drugs: Researchers have developed new drugs that target specific parts of cancer cells. Our team might recommend targeted therapy by itself or pair it with chemotherapy.
• Immunotherapy: These new cancer drugs help the immune system destroy cancer cells. While several immunotherapies remain in clinical trials, an approach called CAR T-cell therapy is approved for certain forms of acute lymphocytic leukemia. Certain white blood cells are removed, strengthened in a lab and then returned to your child’s body. Learn more about immunotherapy.
• Radiation therapy: This therapy beams high-energy radiation into the body to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy is not often used in leukemia treatment.
• Apheresis: Sometimes children with leukemia experience a spike in white blood cells, which thickens the blood. This complication may cause breathing, circulation or heart problems. Apheresis is a treatment that removes the excess cells.

Childhood leukemia treatment side effects

Cancer treatments have many side effects. Our doctors talk to you about each treatment and try to minimize these side effects.

During leukemia treatment, children may lose hair, develop sores in their mouth or lose their appetite. They may have diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. And they may get infections, feel fatigued, or bruise and bleed easily. Our team does all it can to support your child through these challenges.

Support for your child and family

Childhood cancer affects the whole family. Our child life specialists can help you through the journey. Read more about our support for your child and family, including:

• On-call nurses who can answer questions 24/7
• School assistance during and after treatment
• Free events and activities for your family

 

Our unique program, Pediatric Oncology Survivors in Transition (P.O.S.T.), helps children celebrate their cure and move into life after cancer. We guide your child as they readjust and safeguard their health into adulthood.