Leukemia is rarely associated with pregnancy, affecting only about 1 in 10,000 pregnant women. How it is handled depends primarily on the type of leukemia. Acute leukemias normally require prompt, aggressive treatment, despite significant risks of pregnancy loss and birth defects, especially if chemotherapy is given during the developmentally sensitive first trimester. Continue reading
The earlier acute lymphocytic leukemia is detected, the more effective the treatment. The aim is to induce a lasting remission,
defined as the absence of detectable cancer cells in the body (usually less than 5% blast cells on the bone marrow).
Treatment for acute leukemia can include chemotherapy, steroids, radiation therapy, intensive combined treatments
(including bone marrow or stem cell transplants), and growth factors. Continue reading
Cytogenetic translocations associated with specific molecular genetic abnormalities in ALL Continue reading
Acute leukemia can be divided into two types, depending on the subtype of bone marrow cells affected. If immature cells that produce white blood cells, called lymphocytes, are affected, the leukemia is acute lymphoblastic or lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). This form of leukemia can occur at all ages but is most common in children. With modern treatment programs, a high percentage of children and adults can be cured. Continue reading