Survival rates for acute lymphocytic leukemia

Some people with cancer may want to know the survival rates for their type of cancer. Others may not find the numbers helpful, or may even not want to know them. Whether or not you want to read about survival rates is up to you.

In general, about 80% to 90% of adults with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) will have complete remissions after treatment. That means leukemia cells can no longer be seen in their bone marrow. But in about half of these patients the cancer will come back (relapse), so the overall cure rate is around 40%. Again, these rates vary depending on the subtype of ALL and other prognostic factors. Cure rates tend to be higher in younger patients and lower in older patients.

While numbers provide an overall picture, keep in mind that every person is unique and statistics can't predict exactly what will happen in your case. Talk with your cancer care team if you have questions about your own chances of a cure, or how long you might survive your cancer. They know your situation best.