Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow — the soft tissue inside your bones that makes blood cells. Unlike other cancers, leukemia doesn’t form a solid tumor; instead, it causes the body to produce an abnormal number of white blood cells. These cells crowd out normal blood cells, making it harder for the body to fight infections, carry oxygen, and stop bleeding.
While leukemia is one of the most common cancers in children, it can also affect adults. The good news? Treatments have improved dramatically over the last few decades, offering new hope for many patients.
What Are the Types of Leukemia?
Leukemia is categorized by the speed of progression (acute vs. chronic) and the type of blood cell it affects (lymphocytic or myelogenous).
1. Acute Leukemia
Acute leukemia progresses quickly. It’s more aggressive and requires immediate treatment.
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Most common in children, ALL affects the lymphoid cells, which are a type of white blood cell.
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): More common in adults, AML impacts myeloid cells, which develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
2. Chronic Leukemia
Chronic leukemia develops slowly and often doesn’t cause symptoms right away.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Mostly affects older adults and involves the lymphoid cells.
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): Affects the myeloid cells, and while it progresses slowly, it can become more aggressive over time.
Common Symptoms of Leukemia
While symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of leukemia, the most common signs include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Frequent infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Pale or sallow skin
- Bone or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes or spleen
Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, a blood test is often required for diagnosis.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Leukemia?
To diagnose leukemia, doctors use a variety of tests, including:
- Blood Tests: A complete blood count (CBC) checks for abnormal levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: A sample of bone marrow is examined for abnormal cells.
- Genetic Testing: Used to look for specific mutations or chromosomal abnormalities, which can help guide treatment.
- Imaging Tests (CT/MRI): Occasionally used to check for signs of organ enlargement or to monitor treatment progress.
Treatment Options for Leukemia
Leukemia treatment depends on the type and stage of leukemia, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. Here’s an overview of common treatments:
1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for most types of leukemia. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
For leukemia, induction chemotherapy is often given to reduce the number of leukemia cells. Maintenance chemotherapy may be used afterward to help prevent a relapse.
2. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies are newer drugs that specifically attack cancer cells without harming normal cells.
For example, Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (like imatinib) are often used for CML to target the abnormal proteins causing the cancer.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It’s usually used in combination with other treatments or before a stem cell transplant.
4. Stem Cell Transplant (Bone Marrow Transplant)
This procedure involves replacing damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It’s often used for AML, ALL, and CML when the leukemia has not responded to other treatments.
5. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is an emerging treatment that helps the body’s immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. Drugs like CAR-T cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promise for treating certain types of leukemia.
Prognosis and Outlook
The prognosis for leukemia depends on the type and stage of the disease, as well as how well the body responds to treatment. Thanks to advances in early detection, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplants, many people with leukemia live long, healthy lives after treatment.
For children with ALL, the survival rate exceeds 90%. For adults with AML, the survival rate is lower, but new treatments are steadily improving outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Leukemia affects the blood and bone marrow, causing abnormal blood cell production.
- There are four main types: ALL, AML, CLL, and CML.
- Symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss, and frequent infections.
- Treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, stem cell transplants, and immunotherapy.
- The prognosis depends on the type of leukemia and the response to treatment.
