Is one of the 4 main types of leukemia
The other major types of Leukemia are:
1.) Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
2.) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
3.) Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
This disease can progress swiftly [Acute]
It is a cancer of the white blood cells (WBC) and an increase in lymphoblasts are seen
Within the bone marrow a production of WBC is seen that are immature
The concerning factor is when the other necessary blood cells become out-produced by the immature WBC
Often affected are cells of the immune system such as B cells
Seen most often between ages 4-12 then again much later in life.
85% of children respond well to treatment while 50% of adults have good outcomes.
Without treatment – the time period from onset to death may be a few weeks to months
Cancer may move to different areas of the body [metastasize]
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fevers
- Weight loss
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
- Brusing
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in legs
- Enlargement of lymph nodes
- Enlargement of Spleen
- Enlargement of Liver
- others
Cause:
- The cause is not known
- Genetic [theory]
- Change or damage to DNA
- Radiation
- Nuclear radiation exposure
- Other chemical exposure
Blood work is essential to diagnosis
White blood count will be quite elevated
Blast cells are often seen
Biopsy of bone marrow is definitive
Spinal tap may detect involvement of brain
Treatment
*** The earlier detected is better
Chemotherapy
To Induce Remission [rapidly kill tumor cells]
Steroids
. Prednisolone
. Dexamethasone (children)
Chemotherapy
. Vincristine
. Daunorubicin (adults)
. Asparaginase
Intensification [causes tumor to decrease in size]
. Vincristine
. Daunorubicin
. Mercaptopurine
. Thioguanine
. Etoposide
. Cytarabine
. Cyclophosphamide
Maintenance period
. Mercaptopurine
. Methotrexate
Steroids as well
Radiation
- used for painful areas
- used prior to bone marrow transplant
Bone Marrow Transplant