Leukemia

Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and lymph system. When this condition occurs, bone marrow produces a large number of abnormal white blood cells, in some cases giving the blood a white cast.

Normal white blood cells are potent infection fighters. But in people with leukemia, abnormal white blood cells tend to accumulate, blocking production of normal white blood cells and impairing the ability to fight infection.

Treatment for leukemia is complex. Most patients are treated with chemotherapy. Some also may have radiation therapy, a bone marrow transplant (BMT) or biological therapy. In some cases, surgery to remove the spleen may be part of the treatment plan.

There are four main types of leukemia:

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) — Occuring in both adults and children, this type of leukemia is sometimes called acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL).

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) — This is the most common type of leukemia in young children, but also affects adults, including those who are age 65 and older.

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) — Although this condition occurs mainly in adults, a very small number of children also develop CML.

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) —This condition most often affects adults over the age of 55. While it sometimes occurs in younger adults, it almost never affects children.

All types of leukemia are treatable and most are potentially curable.

Leukemia is grouped by how quickly it develops, as well as the type of blood cells it affects. The different forms of leukemia vary greatly in their nature and seriousness and they are classified as either "acute" or "chronic."

• Acute leukemias are more aggressive with severe symptoms and cause major medical problems quickly. Without effective treatment, most patients will die in days to weeks.

• Chronic leukemias develop at a much slower rate. Some do not require treatment for months or years.

Leukemias also are classified as "myeloid" or "lymphoid." This refers to the type of white blood cell that has become cancerous. Myeloid cells give rise to neutrophils, an important type of white blood cell that kills bacteria. Lymphoid cells give rise to lymphocytes, which protect against bacterial germs including viruses.

Many people believe leukemia is a disease that only affects children, but roughly 10 times as many adults as children are diagnosed with this cancer. New cases of leukemia number nearly 30,000 annually in the United States.

To make an appointment for leukemia treatment, please call:
Hematology and Medical Oncology (415) 353-2421

You may need a referral from your primary care doctor. Please check with your health insurance representative.

Visit our online bookstore to see books written and recommended by the staff of the UCSF Cancer Resource Center.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007