Leukemia is the term use for a number of malignant or cancerous diseases of the BLOOD-forming organs. Acute and chronic leukemia, together with the other types of tumor of the blood, bone cell (myelomas), and lymph tissues (Lymphomas), cause about 10% of all cancer deaths and about 50% of all cancer deaths in children and adults less than 30 years old.
Leukemia, according to Reginald L. Reagan of Virus Laboratory, Livestock Sanitary Service, is characterized by the appearance of excessive amounts of white blood cells, with death resulting from the invasion of these cells into various tissues, particularly the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes. The general diagnosis is arrived at by noting a very large increase in the total number of white blood cells.
As with most cancer, the exact cause of most leukemia has yet to be established. Two retroviruses have been identified as causes of human T-cell leukemia. Also, genetic researchers have been able to link certain chromosomal abnormalities with some forms of leukemia.
An individual with leukemia, more particularly the chronic rather than acute forms, may not be aware of it, unless, for example, a blood count is done. As the condition progresses, there may be weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, enlarged spleen, and bone pain. When untreated, acute leukemia is fatal in 1 or 2 years and is often critical from approximately 6 months from onset. Today’s therapy produces 85-90% remissions for 3 or more years and apparent cure in 50% of the case. Vigorous therapy is based on the premise that every leukemic cell must be destroyed.
Another form of treatment is the use of certain drugs like vincristine, prednisone, methotrexate, mercaptopurine, cytarabine, and teniposide for acute leukemia. For chronic leukemia, bisulfan, melphalan, and chlorambucil are used. These drugs tend to make the patient to become ill. Bone marrow transplant may be used when other treatments have failed.
