In their recently published research paper, Kulsom Nuuri and Dr. Yoana Arroyo-Berdugo from the University of Roehampton presented their investigation of the origin of chemotherapy resistance in pediatric patients suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In ALL, large numbers of lymphoblasts develop from stem cells in the bone marrow and quickly crowd out other blood cells that are important for fighting infection, transporting oxygen, and clotting. Eventually, these cancerous cells spread to the blood and other organs. Without treatment, ALL can be fatal within just a few months.