leukemia

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system [1]. It is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells, which can crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow [3].

Types of Leukemia

There are several types of leukemia, including acute and chronic forms. Acute leukemias develop quickly and can progress rapidly if left untreated [5]. Chronic leukemias, on the other hand, develop more slowly and may not cause symptoms for a long time [4].

• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): This is an aggressive form of leukemia that affects the lymphoid stem cells in the bone marrow [5].
• Myeloid Leukemias: These types of leukemia develop from cancerous changes in cells that produce neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, and monocytes [6].

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of leukemia are not yet fully understood. However, certain risk factors have been identified, including exposure to radiation, chemicals, and viruses [9]. Some people may also be born with genetic mutations that increase their risk of developing leukemia.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Leukemia can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight loss, and frequent infections [8]. A diagnosis is typically made through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, such as blood counts and bone marrow biopsies [2].

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Not provided in context (but generally known) [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [8] - Context result 8 [9] - Context result 9

Common Signs and Symptoms of Leukemia

Leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, can exhibit various symptoms. Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Fatigue: Feeling extremely weak or tired, even after resting [2][3]
• Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss due to an inability to produce enough red blood cells [4][5]
• Fever and Chills: Recurring episodes of fever and chills, which can be a sign of infection [3][6]
• Easy Bruising or Bleeding: Blood vessels may become fragile, leading to easy bruising or bleeding [5][8]
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing due to anemia or other complications [4][7]
• Pale Skin: A pale complexion can be a sign of anemia or low red blood cell count [7]

Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of Appetite: Reduced interest in food and drinks
• Bone/Joint Pain: Discomfort or pain in the bones, joints, or muscles
• Recurring Infections: Frequent infections, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those experienced by people with other health conditions. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] Not applicable (search results only) [2] Context 2 [3] Context 3 [4] Context 4 [5] Context 5 [6] Context 6 [7] Context 7 [8] Context 8

Diagnostic Tests for Leukemia

Leukemia diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and various diagnostic tests to determine the type and stage of cancer. Here are some of the common diagnostic tests used to diagnose leukemia:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC is usually the first test ordered by doctors to check for abnormal levels of red or white blood cells or platelets [1]. This test can help identify if you have leukemia.
• Blood Chemistry Tests: These tests measure the levels of various chemicals in your blood, such as glucose, electrolytes, and enzymes [6].
• Cytochemistry: This test examines the chemical properties of cancer cells to determine their type and stage [6].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests like chest x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans may be used to check if leukemia cells have affected the bones or other organs [4][7]. These tests can help doctors determine the extent of cancer spread.
• Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy: This test involves taking a sample of bone marrow from your hipbone using a needle. The sample is then examined under a microscope to check for abnormal cells [8].
• Blood Clotting Factors: Tests may be ordered to check if leukemia has affected the blood clotting factors, which can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising [6].

It's essential to note that diagnosing leukemia in its earliest stages can improve a patient's prognosis. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible if leukemia is suspected.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [4] - Context result 4 [6] - Context result 6 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8

Treatment Options for Leukemia

Leukemia treatment has evolved significantly over the years, and various options are available depending on the type and stage of the disease. Here are some common drug treatments used to manage leukemia:

• Chemotherapy: This is the main treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and is often used in combination with other therapies. Chemotherapy involves administering several different chemotherapy drugs over a few days, which can be effective in killing cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs are designed to find and target specific proteins or changes in cells that contribute to leukemia. These medicines are often used as a first line of treatment for certain types of leukemia and have shown promising results in clinical trials.
• Arsenic Trioxide: This is an FDA-approved drug used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Arsenic trioxide works by inducing cell death in cancer cells, which can help manage the disease.
• Azacitidine: Also known as Vidaza, azacitidine is a medication used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes and certain types of leukemia. It helps promote cell growth and differentiation, which can improve blood counts.

Newer Treatment Options

Recent studies have explored the use of newer treatment options for leukemia, including:

• Menin Inhibitors: These are targeted therapy drugs that inhibit the activity of menin, a protein involved in cancer development. Menin inhibitors have shown promise in treating leukemia in children and adults.
• FLT3 Inhibitors: FLT3 inhibitors are another type of targeted therapy drug used to treat certain types of leukemia. They work by blocking the activity of the FLT3 gene, which is often mutated in leukemia cells.

Personalized Treatment

Leukemia treatment has become increasingly personalized over the years. With advances in genetic testing and molecular profiling, doctors can now tailor treatment plans to individual patients based on their unique genetic profiles. This approach has led to improved outcomes and reduced side effects for many patients.

Sources:

• [1] Oct 4, 2024 — Drugs Approved for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• [2] The first treatments prescribed to many patients in this category include acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib, or venetoclax in combination with obinutuzumab.
• [3] Jun 5, 2024 — Targeted Therapy Drugs for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• [4] Chemotherapy is the major form of treatment for leukemia.
• [7] Nov 20, 2024 — Menin Inhibitors Are a New Targeted Therapy for Leukemia in Children and Adults.

Differential Diagnosis of Leukemia

Leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, can be challenging to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms. A differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other conditions that may present similarly to leukemia.

Possible Differential Diagnoses for Leukemia:

• Acute myelocytic leukaemia (AML)
• Acute anaemia
• Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML)
• Anemia of chronic disease
• Aplastic anemia
• Vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Leukemia cutis

Other Conditions to Consider:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can be confused with other types of leukemia, such as AML or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can present similarly to AML
• Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) can mimic the symptoms of leukemia

Diagnostic Considerations:

• A complete blood count (CBC) with differential counts is essential for diagnosing leukemia
• The presence of blasts in the peripheral smear may approach 90% of the white blood cell (WBC) count
• Pancytopenia and peripheral blasts suggest acute leukemia
• Aplastic anemia, viral infections such as infectious mononucleosis, and vitamin B12 deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe pancytopenia

References:

• [1] Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) often has lower-than-normal numbers of red blood cells and platelets. ... If the CBC findings suggest leukemia, a diagnosis of ALL can sometimes be confirmed with additional testing of the blood sample [3]
• [2] The differential measures the numbers of the different types of white blood cells in the sample. People with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) often have lower-than-normal numbers of red blood cells and platelets. ... If the CBC findings suggest leukemia, a diagnosis of ALL can sometimes be confirmed with additional testing of the blood sample [3]
• [4] The diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia requires at least 5,000 per μL (5 × 10^9 per L) monoclonal B lymphocytes on a peripheral blood smear and should be confirmed with flow cytometry. 4
• [5] Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rapidly progressing myeloid neoplasm characterized by the clonal expansion of immature myeloid-derived cells, known as blasts, in the peripheral blood and bone marrow. ... Differential Diagnosis. Other diseases with presentations similar to AML include Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, anemia, aplastic anemia, B [12]
• [6] An accurate diagnosis of the type of leukemia is important. The exact diagnosis helps the doctor to estimate how the disease will progress and determine the appropriate treatment ... (CBC) with differential counts the number of red cells, white cells and platelets in the blood. The CBC should include a differential, which measures the numbers [14]