Patient Story: High-Risk B-ALL, Bone Marrow Transplant at 9 Months, Two Years Later—A Healthy Start for a Young Fighter

In the early months of life, Shuo Shuo (a pseudonym) faced a diagnosis no child should have to endure. At just four months old, he was diagnosed with high-risk Acute B Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) with MLL-AF4 gene fusion, one of the most challenging and aggressive forms of childhood leukemia.

The diagnosis came after a visit to the hospital for nasal congestion, where his blood tests showed alarming numbers—white blood cell count spiking at 480×10^9/L, hemoglobin at 72g/L, and platelets at 39×10^9/L. These signs pointed to a serious blood disorder, and his family, deeply concerned, immediately sought specialized care at Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital.

Upon further examination, Shuo Shuo’s condition was confirmed as MLL-AF4 positive B-ALL, a high-risk leukemia subtype in infants. Given his young age and the aggressive nature of his illness, doctors recommended a stem cell transplant to offer the best chance for recovery.

Dr. Wei Zhijie, Director of the Transplantation Department at Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital, and his team developed a comprehensive treatment plan. In May 2022, Shuo Shuo received a chemotherapy regimen that led to complete remission. Afterward, he underwent consolidation chemotherapy to ensure the leukemia remained under control. During this time, the medical team maintained constant communication with the family to monitor his condition closely.

In August 2022, Shuo Shuo, now in complete remission, successfully underwent a non-related donor hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The procedure went smoothly, with his white blood cells and platelets engrafting just two weeks and seven days after the transplant, respectively. A follow-up bone marrow biopsy confirmed that there were no malignant cells, and he achieved 100% chimerism with a MLL-AF4 gene level of 0%. The transplant was a success, and Shuo Shuo's chances of long-term remission were greatly improved.

However, the transplant journey was not without challenges. Shuo Shuo experienced both acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which affected his skin. The medical team promptly adjusted his medication, and with their diligent care, the rashes began to fade, and his overall condition steadily improved.

Today, Shuo Shuo is two years and three months post-transplant. His leukemia remains in remission, and he has reached a major milestone: starting kindergarten! His family is filled with hope as they watch him grow stronger every day.

With resilience, courage, and the unwavering support of his medical team, Shuo Shuo is ready to embrace the future, filled with smiles, laughter, and the joy of childhood.