THE INCIDENCE OF ACUTE LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA IN ALBANIA

Abstract: Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a blood cancer that affects both children and adults, peaking its incidence at a very young age, usually between 2 and 5 years old. The causes of ALL are considered multifactorial, including genetic, environmental, and chance. It is an aggressive disease that leads to the formation of immature lymphocytic cells at an increased rate and short time. Approximately 90% of children affected by ALL have made a complete remission from the disease. Our study aims to give a comprehensive analysis of ALL patients in Albania. Data was obtained from the registry of University Hospital “Nënë Tereza”, Tirana, Albania. We analysed factors such as age and gender and place of habitation to consider several variables that lead to the progression of the disease. Data showed that these factors have a statistical relevance for the development of the leukemia with p≤0.05. Male to female ratio was 1.52:1. Children from new-borns to teenagers comprised 67% of the study group which also shows the high incidence rate of ALL in young people. Incidence peaked at ages 2-5 and 6-10 where males to female ratio was 1.7:1. Overall the incidence in Albania is similar to Europe with an inclination towards males and children between the ages of 2-5 years.