Leukemia

See also: Types of Leukemia ; Leukemia (pathophysiology)

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Signs and Symptoms

Curing Leukemia: From Zebrafish to Alpha Clinics

ID Management of Heme Malignancies and SCTs -- Olga Klinkova and Aliyah Baluch

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced. This disease is characterized by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells, which crowd out normal blood cells and impair the body's ability to fight infection, carry oxygen, and control bleeding.

TYPES OF LEUKEMIA

Leukemia is classified into several types based on the speed of progression and the type of blood cell affected. The main categories include:

Acute vs. Chronic Leukemia

• Acute Leukemia: This type progresses rapidly and requires immediate treatment. It involves the rapid increase of immature blood cells, which makes the bone marrow unable to produce healthy blood cells.
• Chronic Leukemia: This type progresses more slowly and may not require immediate treatment. It involves the accumulation of more mature but still abnormal white blood cells.

Lymphocytic vs. Myelogenous Leukemia

• Lymphocytic Leukemia: This type affects the lymphoid cells, which form lymphatic tissue and are part of the immune system.
• Myelogenous Leukemia: This type affects the myeloid cells, which give rise to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet-producing cells.

Combining these classifications, the four main types of leukemia are:

1. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
2. Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
4. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

Symptoms of Leukemia

The symptoms of leukemia can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Frequent or severe infections
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes, liver, or spleen
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Fever or chills
• Night sweats
• Bone or joint pain

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of leukemia is not known, but several factors may increase the risk of developing the disease:

• Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of leukemia.
• Family History: Having a family history of leukemia can increase the risk.
• Previous Cancer Treatment: People who have had certain types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other cancers are at higher risk.
• Exposure to Chemicals: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene, is linked to a higher risk of leukemia.
• Smoking: Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of acute myelogenous leukemia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing leukemia typically involves a combination of tests and procedures:

• Physical Exam: A doctor may check for signs of leukemia, such as pale skin, swelling of the lymph nodes, and enlargement of the liver and spleen.
• Blood Tests: A complete blood count (CBC) can reveal abnormal levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A sample of bone marrow is removed and examined for leukemia cells.
• Genetic Tests: Tests to identify specific genetic mutations can help determine the type of leukemia and guide treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment for leukemia depends on the type, stage, and individual patient factors. Common treatments include:

• Chemotherapy: The primary treatment for most types of leukemia, chemotherapy uses drugs to kill leukemia cells.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used to target and kill leukemia cells.
• Stem Cell Transplant: This procedure replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, which can regenerate healthy blood cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells can be used to treat certain types of leukemia.
• Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the body's immune system to help fight leukemia.

Living with Leukemia

Living with leukemia can be challenging, but there are ways to manage the disease and maintain quality of life:

• Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor for recurrence and manage side effects.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising, and avoiding infections can help improve overall health.
• Support Systems: Emotional and psychological support from family, friends, and support groups can be invaluable.

Leukemia is a complex and serious disease, but advances in medical research and treatment have significantly improved outcomes for many patients. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to managing the disease and improving quality of life.

ARTICLES/STUDIES

• Are You Sure That's What the Doctor Said About Your Leukemia?

Treatment

• Foods to Prevent and Treat Leukemia
• Defeating leukemia cells by depriving them of energy (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220217102036.htm)
• Reprogramming RIPK3-induced cell death in malignant B cells promotes immune-mediated tumor control
• RNA ‘heroes’ can disarm bad-actor proteins in leukemia (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220204130915.htm)
• Avocado Discovery May Point to Better Leukemia Treatment
• More selective elimination of leukemia stem cells and blood stem cells (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200508112915.htm)
• A randomized trial of chemoimmunotherapy of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia in adults using a protein-bound polysaccharide preparation. 
• Alternative medicine remedies might stimulate viability of leukemic cells. 
• The Promising Leukemia Treatment Trial
• Cord Blood Treatments Show Promise
• Induction of differentiation of human leukemia cells by combinations of COX inhibitors and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 involves Raf1 but not Erk 1/2 signaling.
• Melittin-a natural peptide from **bee venom** which induces apoptosis in human leukaemia cells.
• Apoptotic activities of ethanol extracts from some Apiaceae on human leukaemia cell lines.
• Cytotoxic effect of some medicinal plants from Asteraceae family on J-45.01 leukemic cell line--pilot study.
• Cytotoxic activities of ***Coriolus versicolor***(Yunzhi) extract on human leukemia and lymphoma cells by induction of apoptosis. 
• Protein-bound polysaccharide-K (PSK) induces apoptosis via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in promyelomonocytic leukemia HL-60 cells. 
• Cytotoxicity and Apoptogenic Activity of A Novel Synthetic Iron Chelator 1-(N-Acetyl-6-Aminohexyl)-3-Hydroxy-2-Methylpyridin-4-One (CM1) In Human Leukemic Cells
• Phytochemical analysis and cytotoxicity towards multidrug-resistant leukemia cells of **essential oils** derived from Lebanese medicinal plants.
• Antileukemic Activity of ***Bidens pilosa* L. *var. minor*** (Blume) Sherff and ***Houttuynia cordata*** Thunb.
• 2'-HCA potently suppressed the growth of mouse xenografts representing human leukemia or skin cancer.
• Study identifies new class of anticancer compounds for possible targeted therapy in blood cancers (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160127101747.htm)
• Starving leukemia to induce differentiation
• Treatment with **carnosic acid-rich rosemary extract and 1,25D3 analogs** results in strong cooperative antileukemic effects.
• Imatinib mesylate and resveratrol** are potent drug treatments for human chronic myelogenous leukemia, offering a promising means of inhibiting cell growth and apoptosis.
• Protein isolated from baker's yeast shows potential against leukemia cells (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170117163045.htm)
• In vitro anti-leukemic activity of the ethno-pharmacological plant **Scutellaria orientalis** ssp. carica endemic to western Turkey.
• **Echinacea purpurea and melatonin** augment natural-killer cells in leukemic mice and prolong life span.
• N-acetylcysteine** can induce massive oxidative stress, resulting in cell death with apoptotic features in human leukemia cells.
• This study demonstrates that **Purple sweet potato anthocyanins** exert their antileukemic effects through calcicoptosis induction by targeting NFAT5.
• Improvement of constipation in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy using **sweet potato**.
• Immuno-stimulating activity of **1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D** in blasts from five patients with leukemias and pre-leukemic states.