Classification of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Different types of acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) start from different types of lymphocytes. Almost 85% of cases of ALL begin from B cells (also called B lymphocytes) and 15% begin from T cells (also called T lymphocytes).

World Health Organization classification system

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ALL based on the immunophenotype of the leukemia cells. The immunophenotype is determined by lab tests including flow cytometry and cytogenetic tests. Rarely, acute leukemia may have characteristics of both ALL and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These rare leukemias are referred to as mixed phenotype acute leukemias (MPAL).

WHO classification for ALL

Type of lymphoblast

WHO subtype

Precursor B cell

B lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, not otherwise specified, NOS

Precursor B cell

B lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma with recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities:

  • with t(9;22)
  • with t(v;11q23)
  • with t(12;21)
  • with hyperdiploidy (more than 50 chromosomes)
  • with hypodiploidy (less than 50 chromosomes)
  • with t(5;14)
  • with t(1;19)

Precursor T cell

T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma

The older French-American-British (FAB) system classifies ALL based on what the leukemia cells look like under a microscope. It is based on the morphology (size, shape and structure) of the leukemia cells. Most doctors use the WHO classification system because it uses newer lab tests that more accurately classify ALL.

Other classification factors

Doctors use the following factors to describe ALL. They consider these factors, along with the WHO classification, to help them determine a prognosis and plan treatment.

Chromosome abnormalities

In about 70% of adults with ALL, the leukemia cells have certain changes to chromosomes, or chromosome abnormalities.

The Philadelphia chromosome

The Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome, or t(9;22), is a common chromosome abnormality in the leukemia cells of adults with ALL. The long arm of chromosome 9 is switched with the long arm of chromosome 22. This type of change is called a translocation. This translocation creates the BCR-ABL fusion gene, which leads to the development of ALL.

About 1 in 4 adults with ALL have leukemia cells with the Ph chromosome. They are referred to as having Ph-positive, or Ph+, ALL. Those who do not have the Ph chromosome are referred to as having Ph negative, or Ph–, ALL. Ph+ ALL is more common in older people.

It is not known why the Ph chromosome appears in leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow. Although this chromosome abnormality is genetic, it is not inherited. It is an acquired abnormality, which means that it happens some time after birth. It does not seem to be passed on to other family members. This means that a person with ALL will not pass the BCR-ABL fusion gene to their children.

Other chromosome abnormalities

Other less common abnormalities include translocations between chromosomes. A translocation is when part of a chromosome is transferred to another chromosome such as t(4;11) which is a translocation of chromosomes 4 and 11.

Mixed phenotype acute leukemia

Sometimes the leukemia cells are considered mixed lineage because they have both myeloid and lymphoid characteristics. The leukemia cells may have both myeloid and lymphoid features on the same cell, or some leukemia cells have myeloid features and other leukemia cells have lymphoid features. Mixed phenotype acute leukemias (MPAL) are a special category of acute leukemias using the WHO classification system.

Leukemia cells in the central nervous system

About 5%–10% of people with ALL have leukemia cells in the central nervous system (CNS) at the time of diagnosis. The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord. ALL is known to spread to the CNS in about 35% of people who do not have prophylactic treatment.

Expert review and references

  • American Cancer Society. Leukemia - Acute Lymphocytic (Adults). Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2013.
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) . Leukemia - Acute Lymphocytic - ALL: Subtypes and Classification . Alexandria, VA. : American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) ; 2013 .
  • Kebriaei P, Champlin R, de Lima M, et al . Management of acute leukemias. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, & Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology. 9th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2014: 131: pp. 1928-1954.
  • Kurtin SE . Leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Yarbro, CH, Wujcki D, & Holmes Gobel B. (eds.). Cancer Nursing: Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett; 2011: 57: pp. 1369-1398.
  • Swerdlow SH, Campo E, Harris, NL, et al . International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues. 4th ed. 2008.
  • Tuzner NN, Bennett JM . Classification of the acute leukemias: cytochemical and morphologic considerations. Wiernik PH, Goldman JM, Dutcher JP & Kyle RA (eds.). Neoplastic Diseases of the Blood. 5th ed. Springer; 2013: 16: pp. 213-239.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

We do our best to make sure that the information we provide is accurate and reliable but cannot guarantee that it is error-free or complete.

The Canadian Cancer Society is not responsible for the quality of the information or services provided by other organizations and mentioned on cancer.ca, nor do we endorse any service, product, treatment or therapy.


1-888-939-3333 | cancer.ca | © 2024 Canadian Cancer Society