Genetic Markers in the Prognosis of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Abstract

Acute leukemia is a broad term used to identify several malignancies of immature hemato‐ poietic cells. Although, variable incidences have been reported between countries, ranging from 46 to 57 cases by million children, it is considered the most common childhood cancer worldwide [1]. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent subtype (75%-80% of cases; with the remaining 20-25% being of myeloid origin, AML). In ALL, B cell origin is the most frequently diagnosed (B cell ALL) representing 83%, and T cell ALL comprises 15% [2]. The total of ALL cases represents 30-40% of all types of pediatric cancer[3].