Leukaemia treatment journey overview in infants

Overview

Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. In infants, it happens when the body makes too many abnormal white blood cells that cannot fight infection. Treatment for infant leukaemia is very intensive, but many babies can be cured with modern medicine.

No, leukaemia in infants is very rare. Only a small number of babies are diagnosed each year.

It affects babies under 12 months old. It can happen in any baby, but some genetic conditions may increase the chance.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever without a clear cause
• Pale skin and tiredness
• Easy bruising or small red or purple spots on the skin
• Frequent infections that do not get better

Symptoms in children

• Poor feeding or loss of appetite
• Irritability or unusual fussiness
• Swollen belly or lumps under the skin
• Bone pain or floppy limbs
• Breathlessness or a cough that does not go away

Symptoms in older adults

• Older children and adults may have similar symptoms, but this article specifically focuses on infants. In older adults, leukaemia can also cause weight loss, night sweats, and pain in the bones or joints.

Causes

Main causes

• Changes (mutations) in the DNA of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow cause them to grow out of control. In infants, these mutations usually happen by chance and are not inherited from the parents.
• Some infants have genetic syndromes, like Down syndrome, that increase the risk of leukaemia.

Risk factors

• Certain genetic conditions present at birth
• Exposure to high doses of radiation before birth (very rare)
• Having a brother or sister with leukaemia (slightly higher risk, but still very small)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor the same day if your baby has a fever, unusual bruising, very pale skin, or is feeding much less than normal.
• Trust your instincts — if your baby seems very unwell, seek medical advice right away.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Bring your baby for all regular check-ups and vaccinations. These visits let the doctor monitor growth, development, and any early signs of illness.
• If you notice any new lumps, persistent symptoms, or a change in behavior, raise it at the next appointment.

Diagnosis

If leukaemia is suspected, the baby will be referred to a specialist children's cancer center. Doctors will do blood tests and may also take a sample of bone marrow to look for abnormal cells.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check levels of red cells, white cells, and platelets
• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy — a small sample of bone marrow is taken and examined under a microscope
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) — checks if leukaemia cells have spread to the fluid around the brain and spine
• Imaging tests like ultrasound or X-ray to look for swollen organs or lumps

What to expect at your appointment

Diagnosis can take a few days to a week. You will stay in a hospital that specializes in children's cancer. Doctors and nurses will explain each step, support you, and involve you in decisions. It is normal to feel scared and overwhelmed — the care team is there for you and your baby.

Treatment

Treatment for infant leukaemia is intensive and usually starts soon after diagnosis. The main goal is to remove all leukaemia cells and keep the baby healthy during treatment. The exact plan depends on the type of leukaemia and the baby's overall health.

Self-care at home

• Follow all care instructions from the medical team, especially about preventing infections.
• Keep the baby's environment clean and wash hands often.
• Give extra cuddles and comfort — physical closeness helps babies feel safe.
• Keep a diary of your baby's symptoms, feeding, and mood to share with the team.

Medical treatments

Treatment typically includes chemotherapy, which uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells. These medicines are given in hospital, often through a small tube called a central line. Babies may also receive supportive care like blood transfusions and antibiotics to prevent infections. In some cases, a stem cell transplant (using healthy blood-forming cells from a donor) may be recommended. Doctors will explain all options and risks in plain language before starting any treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a main treatment for leukaemia. Sometimes a small operation is needed to place a central line (a tube for giving medicines) or to take a biopsy, but the cancer itself is not removed with surgery.

Living with this condition

During treatment, your baby will need many hospital visits. Try to keep a routine with feeding, sleeping, and play when possible. You may be taught to watch for signs of infection and how to care for the central line at home.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep hospital appointments and ask questions when unsure.
• Limit visitors to healthy people, especially during high-risk times.
• Create a calm, quiet space at home for rest and recovery.

Diet and exercise

Your baby may need extra nutrition, sometimes through a feeding tube if they cannot eat enough. Your healthcare team will give specific advice. Gentle play and movement are good when your baby feels up to it.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

This journey is emotionally hard for parents and families. Anxiety, sadness, and exhaustion are normal. It is important to talk about your feelings and seek support — a child life specialist, social worker, or psychologist can help. Remember to take brief moments for yourself, and accept help from friends and family.

Prevention

In most cases, infant leukaemia cannot be prevented. The genetic changes are not caused by anything the parents did or did not do.

Complications

If left untreated

• The abnormal cells can crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to severe anemia, bleeding, and life-threatening infections.
• Leukaemia can spread to other organs and cause organ failure if not treated.

Long-term outlook

Although infant leukaemia is challenging, the outlook has improved greatly. Many infants are cured with modern treatment. Some may face long-term health issues, but with careful follow-up, most survivors grow into healthy children and adults. Every baby is different — your care team will talk with you about your child's own outlook.

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