Leukemia Treatment in Delhi, India

Overview

Leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the bone marrow and affects white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. It often leads to the production of abnormal white blood cells, impairing the body’s ability to combat infections. Though it can occur at any age, leukemia is more frequently diagnosed in younger individuals.

Causes of Leukemia While the precise cause of leukemia remains unclear, several factors may increase the risk:

• Genetic Mutations: DNA mutations due to radiation exposure can activate cancer-causing genes.
• Genetic Disorders: Conditions like Down syndrome are linked to higher leukemia risk.
• Family History: A family history of leukemia can increase susceptibility.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain viruses (e.g., HTLV-1), benzene (found in gasoline and dyes), and smoking.
• Immune Deficiency: Compromised immune systems may contribute to leukemia risk.

Symptoms of Leukemia Common symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Night sweats
• Bone and muscle pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Petechiae
• Frequent bruising
• Recurrent infections
• Fever and chills
• Enlarged liver or spleen
• Neurological symptoms (if leukemia spreads to the brain), such as headaches and seizures

Types of Leukemia

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Primarily affects adults, often linked to smoking and chemical exposure.
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Common in children and young adults, associated with previous cancer treatments and genetic factors.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Typically occurs in older adults, associated with the Philadelphia chromosome.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Mostly affects older adults, characterized by an excess of abnormal lymphocytes.

Diagnosis of Leukemia Diagnosis involves a series of tests:

• Physical Examination: Checking for swelling in lymph nodes, spleen, and gums.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Identifies abnormalities in blood cell counts.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A sample is taken from the bone marrow to detect leukemia cells.
• Additional Tests: Chest X-ray, lumbar puncture, CT scans, MRI, and cytogenetic testing for a comprehensive assessment.

Stages of Leukemia Leukemia staging varies by type and focuses on the number of abnormal white blood cells present. Each leukemia subtype has its own staging criteria.

Treatment Options Treatment strategies are tailored based on leukemia type, age, and overall health:

• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, often the primary treatment for AML.
• Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant: Replaces damaged marrow with healthy stem cells.
• Immunotherapy: Employs immune cells to target cancer cells, including CAR-T therapy.
• Targeted Therapy: Targets specific mutations in cancer cells, used for types like CML and ALL.

Risk Factors

• Age: More common in younger individuals, though some types are prevalent in older adults.
• Genetics: Family history and genetic disorders increase risk.
• Radiation and Chemical Exposure: High radiation levels and exposure to benzene can increase leukemia risk.
• Smoking: Associated particularly with AML.
• Previous Cancer Treatment: Past chemotherapy may contribute to leukemia development.

Complications Potential complications include:

• Infections: Increased susceptibility due to compromised immunity.
• Bleeding: Risk of severe hemorrhage.
• Disease Progression: Potential transition to more aggressive forms of leukemia.

Prognosis The prognosis depends on several factors, including leukemia type, stage, and treatment response. The five-year survival rate is approximately 61%, with younger patients generally having a better prognosis.

Epidemiology Leukemia ranks as the 10th most common cancer globally, with approximately 61,000 new cases annually. It is more common in children but can affect adults as well. Men are more frequently diagnosed than women, though the reasons for this disparity are not well understood.