Way2Cure

Health A-Z

What Is B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a cancer that affects your "B lymphocytes" -- white blood cells that grow in the soft center of your bones, called marrow.

B lymphocytes are supposed to grow into cells that help you fight infections. But in this disease, they turn into "leukemia" cells that live longer than normal cells and reproduce quickly. They build up in your bone marrow and move into your bloodstream. From there they can spread to other organs in your body.

Although in most cases it can't be cured, treatment can help you live longer and better. And researchers are looking for new treatments to fight the disease.