Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
CLL affects lymphoid cells and usually grows slowly. It accounts for more than 15,000 new cases of leukemia each year. Most often, people diagnosed with the disease are over age 55. It almost never affects children. Many people with CLL live good-quality lives for years with medical care. There are a number of treatments for CLL. In recent years new therapies have been approved and other possible new treatments are being studied in clinical trials. Progress toward a cure is underway.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
CML affects myeloid cells and usually grows slowly at first. It accounts for nearly 5,000 new cases of leukemia each year. It mainly affects adults. It is estimated that approximately 22,475 people in the United States are living with CML (SEER, National Cancer Institute, 2009). Three new CML drugs (Gleevec®, Sprycel® and Tasinga®) have been approved since 2001. Other new treatments are being studied in clinical trials. Progress toward a cure is under way and the number of people with CML who are living well today is growing.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
Other names for ALL are acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute lymphoid leukemia. About 5,430 people in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with ALL in 2008. It is the most common type of leukemia in children under age 15. The risk of getting ALL increases in people ages 45 and older. However, people can get ALL at any age.Most children with ALL are cured of their disease after treatment.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
AML affects myeloid cells and grows quickly. It accounts for more than 13,000 new cases of leukemia each year. It occurs in both adults and children. AML starts with a change to a single cell in the bone marrow. With AML, the leukemic cells are often referred to as blast cells. Medical researchers are working to understand the cell changes that lead to AML. Down syndrome and other uncommon genetic disorders such as Fanconi anemia and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome and others are associated with an increased risk of AML.
Common Symptoms of Leukemia
tiredness or no energy
shortness of breath during physical activity
pale skin
swollen gums
slow healing of cuts
red spots under the skin
prolonged bleeding from minor cuts
mild fever
black-and-blue marks (bruises) with no clear cause
aches in bones or knees, hips or shoulder
How To Treat Leuekemia
Treatment of leukemia depends on the type of leukemia, certain features of the leukemia cells, the extent of the disease, and prior history of treatment, as well as the age and health of the patient. Most patients with leukemia are treated with chemotherapy. Some patients also may have radiation therapy and/or bone marrow transplantation, or interferorn therapy.
What is Interferon Therapy?
Interferons are a class of proteins that are released by virus-infected cells. They help normal cells to make antiviral proteins. Interferons also help the body to reduce leukemia cell proliferation (growth and reproduction), while strengthening the body's immune response. Interferon-alpha (INFa) is a type of interferon that frequently is used to treat leukemia. In addition, based on an patient's response to INFa, a physician can better predict the anticipated length of survival.
Mark Williams - I was born in the sunny hills of Yonkers, New York a little over thirty years ago. Writing has been a part of my life since I was five, ...
