TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
The treatment of ALL usually has two phases.
Source: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 12, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
Context: Treatment Option Overview
There are two treatment phases of ALL:
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Remission induction therapy is the first phase of treatment. The goal is to kill the leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow. This puts the leukemia into remission.
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Consolidation therapy is the second phase of treatment. It begins once the leukemia is in remission. The goal of consolidation therapy is to kill any remaining leukemia cells that may not be active but could begin to regrow and cause a relapse. This phase is also called remission continuation therapy.
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Treatment called central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis is usually given during each phase of therapy. Because standard doses of chemotherapy may not reach leukemia cells in the CNS (brain and spinal cord), the leukemia cells are able to hide in the CNS. Systemic chemotherapy given in high doses, intrathecal chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to the brain are able to reach leukemia cells in the CNS. These treatments are given to kill the leukemia cells and lessen the chance the leukemia will recur (come back).
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice