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What Are Leukemia Relapses and Why Do They Happen?

Relapses in Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a form of leukemia that occurs in lymphocytes, such as T cells or B cells. It leads to an excessive production of abnormal and immature lymphocytes. This is the most common form of leukemia in children, accounting for up to 75 percent of reported cases. Adults may also have ALL, but this is less prevalent. It is estimated that around 10 to 20 percent of individuals with this form have a relapse, which often occurs within 2 years of initial treatment. The chance of a relapse is higher in adults (50 percent) than in children (10 percent). [5]