Paediatrics: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this fast-growing childhood leukaemia – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical scenarios.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is a rapidly progressing cancer of lymphoid progenitor cells, leading to overproduction of immature lymphoblasts in bone marrow and blood.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Usually a mix of genetic mutations (chromosomal translocations, e.g. t(12;21), Philadelphia chromosome) and environmental factors• Risk increased with Down syndrome, certain inherited syndromes, prior radiation, family history• Most common in children aged 2–5 years• Mnemonic: “DNA-RISK” – Down syndrome, No clear cause, Acquired gene changes, Radiation, Inherited syndromes, Secondary to prior cancer therapy, Kids📌 Pathophysiology• Uncontrolled proliferation of lymphoblasts• Marrow failure (crowding out healthy blood cells)• Infiltration of organs (liver, spleen, CNS, lymph nodes)📌 Symptoms• Fatigue, pallor (anaemia)• Recurrent infections, fever (neutropenia)• Bruising, bleeding, petechiae (thrombocytopenia)• Bone pain, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly• CNS symptoms (headache, nerve palsies), testicular enlargement• Mnemonic: “FAB-IN-CHiLD” – Fatigue, Anaemia, Bruising, Infections, Nodes, CNS, Hepatosplenomegaly, Limp (bone pain), Drowsiness📌 Differential Diagnosis• Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)• Lymphoma• Aplastic anaemia• ITP• Viral infection (EBV, parvovirus)• Metastatic neuroblastoma• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis📌 Diagnosis• FBC (↓Hb, ↓platelets, variable WCC), blood film (blasts)• Bone marrow aspiration: >20% lymphoblasts (diagnostic)• Immunophenotyping: B vs T cell• Cytogenetics: guides prognosis (e.g. t(9;22), t(12;21))• CXR (mediastinal mass), lumbar puncture for CNS disease• Memory tip: “Blasts = BAD” (Blasts on Blood film = ALL until proven otherwise)📌 Management• Multi-phase chemotherapy: induction, consolidation, maintenance• CNS prophylaxis: intrathecal chemo ± cranial radiotherapy• Supportive care: transfusions, infection prevention• High-risk/relapse: stem cell transplant, CAR-T therapy (esp. B-cell ALL)• UK focus: Follow local paediatric haematology/NICE guidelines📌 Complications• Infections, bleeding, tumour lysis syndrome• Organ damage (heart, liver), infertility• Long-term: growth/learning issues, secondary cancers, relapse📌 Prognosis• Cure rates ~80–90% in children; lower in adults• Best with early diagnosis, favourable genetics, rapid response to chemo📎 More MSRA Resources for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/acute-lymphoblastic-leukaemia-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/acute-lymphoblastic-leukaemia-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/acute-lymphoblastic-leukaemia-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/acute-lymphoblastic-leukaemia-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/paediatrics-for-the-msra/#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQ&ANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #AcuteLymphoblasticLeukaemia