The subtypes of ALL are identified based on certain features of the leukemia cells. Determining the ALL subtype is an important factor in treatment planning. The doctor will discuss with you which drug combinations are indicated based on your child’s ALL subtype.
Leukemia cells can be classified by the unique set of proteins found on their surface. These unique sets of proteins are known as “immunophenotypes.” Based on immunophenotyping of the leukemia cell, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ALL into two main subtypes.
- B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma: This subtype begins in immature cells that would normally develop into B-cell lymphocytes. B-cell ALL is the most common ALL subtype, accounting for approximately 80 percent of cases among children with ALL.
- T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia: This subtype of ALL originates in immature cells that would normally develop into T-cell lymphocytes. This subtype is less common than B-cell ALL and occurs more often in adults than in children. T-cell ALL accounts for approximately 15 to 20 percent of ALL cases in children.
Genetic Changes
In addition to classifying ALL as either B-cell or T-cell, it can be further classified based on changes to certain chromosomes and genes.
About 75 percent of childhood cases of ALL can be classified into subgroups based on chromosomal abnormalities and genetic mutations. Not all patients who have ALL exhibit the same genetic changes. Some changes are more common than others, and some have a greater effect on the patient’s prognosis.
Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive ALL. About 2 to 4 percent of children with ALL have a subtype called Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL (also known as “Ph+ ALL” or “Ph-positive ALL”). The leukemia cells of these patients have the Philadelphia chromosome, which is formed by a translocation between parts of chromosomes 9 and 22. The new, abnormal chromosome 22 is known as the Philadelphia chromosome. This chromosomal alteration creates a gene called BCR-ABL1. This gene produces a protein called a tyrosine kinase, which causes the leukemia cells to grow and divide out of control.
Philadelphia Chromosome-like (Ph-like) ALL. About 15 percent of children with ALL have a subtype of B-cell ALL called “Ph-like ALL.” This is a high-risk subtype of ALL in children that seems to peak in adolescents and young adults and is more likely to be seen in males and patients with Down syndrome. It is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Ph-like ALL has genetic features similar to Ph+ ALL, but without the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene that defines Ph+ ALL. Instead, patients have a highly diverse range of genetic mutations that activate tyrosine kinase signaling.
Related Links
- To see lists of the common genetic alterations of childhood ALL, download or order The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's free booklet, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in Children and Teens and see pages 14-16.
- Caring for Kids and Adolescents Workbook
- About Childhood Blood Cancer