Leukemia (Acute Leukemia)

Introduction:

Acute leukemia is not a very common blood cancer. In the USA only about 5 per 100,000 adults are affected every year and about 2000 cases are children. Over the years acute leukemia has been a very popular topic with the public. This is probably so, because this blood disorder can be a very devastating illness, where the patient gets sick very quickly and dies within a few weeks or months, if untreated.

On the other hand, there has been a tremendous breakthrough in this field both for childhood leukemia as well as for adult leukemia. Some important scientific discoveries took place in the 1970's and 1980's, which have revolutionized leukemia treatment. I will mention some of these developments as we discuss the various forms of acute leukemia below.

Disclaimer:

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References:

1. Cancer: Principles &Practice of Oncology. 4th edition. Edited by Vincent T. DeVita, Jr. et al. Lippincott, Philadelphia,PA, 1993. Chapter on Acute Leukemia.

2. Cancer: Principles&Practice of Oncology. 5th edition, volume 2. Edited by Vincent T. DeVita, Jr. et al. Lippincott-Raven Publ., Philadelphia,PA, 1997. Chapter on Acute Leukemia.

3. Conn's Current Therapy 2004, 56th ed., Copyright © 2004 Elsevier

4. Ferri: Ferri's Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment, 2004 ed., Copyright © 2004 Mosby, Inc

Last Modified: Dec. 29, 2008