Long-term outlook for a child with leukemia

Prognosis greatly depends on:

• The extent of the disease.
• Disease response to treatment. 
• Genetics. 
• Age and overall health of your child. 
• Your child’s tolerance of specific medications, procedures or therapies. 
• New developments in treatment.

As with any cancer, prognosis and long-term survival can vary greatly from child to child. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis. Continuous follow-up care is essential for the child diagnosed with leukemia.

Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as second malignancies, can occur in survivors of leukemia. New methods are continually being discovered to improve treatment and to decrease side effects of the treatment for the disease.