ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA IN CHILDREN - EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND CURRENT THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children is a malignant neoplasm that requires special attention to early diagnosis and treatment, as its rapid progression can compromise prognosis. The use of tests such as complete blood counts and bone marrow tests is essential for classifying and diagnosing the disease, contributing to the definition of effective therapeutic strategies. Chemotherapy remains the main therapeutic approach, often combined with radiotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in more severe cases. However, recent advances, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies, have demonstrated greater specificity and fewer side effects, demonstrating promise for refractory or relapsed patients. Therefore, the objective of this study is to conduct an integrative review of the literature on the early diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and the most current therapeutic approaches. This study adopted a literature review as its theoretical and methodological foundation. Articles were collected through the Scielo, PubMed, UptoDate, Capes, and Scopus databases. Despite advances in treatment, late complications such as cardiac toxicity, secondary tumors, and neurological impairments present significant challenges, highlighting the need for specific guidelines for monitoring survivors. Furthermore, children undergoing ALL treatment often face cognitive deficits and learning disorders, such as dyslexia and ADHD, which compromise their academic performance and quality of life. Interprofessional collaboration, including physicians, pharmacists, and educators, is essential to improve clinical and social outcomes. Gaps in studies on pharmaceutical care and integrated educational support indicate priority areas for future research. Therefore, integrated strategies are essential to promote greater therapeutic efficacy and quality of life for pediatric patients with ALL.