So to get a better understanding of leukemia, let's talk about
the bone marrow first.
Slide 14
The Bone Marrow is soft material in the center of most bones
where blood cells are formed (white and red blood cells,
platelets).
Slide 15
Red Blood cells help carry oxygen to the rest of the body White
Blood Cells help your body fight infections Platelets help with
clotting (when you bleed)
Slide 16
So what happens when you have Leukemia?
Slide 17
In Leukemia, the Bone Marrow produces large numbers of abnormal
blood cells.
Slide 18
These abnormal cells look different, and don't function
properly.
Slide 19
This causes lots of problems: - difficulty fighting infection -
bleed and bruise easily - bleed a lot when injured - tiredness (due
to decrease in oxygen supply)
Slide 20
It may also affect the liver and spleen.
Slide 21
Symptoms of Leukemia
Slide 22
Chronic Leukemia-no symptoms. Usually detected during a routine
blood test. Acute Leukemia- may have one or more of the following
Symptoms: sickness, headaches, vomiting, confusion, loss of muscle
control, or seizures.
Slide 23
Treatment for Leukemia (treatment may vary by type and
severity)
Slide 24
Watchful waiting: - Only available for people with Chronic
Leukemias who haven't experienced symptoms yet - you have regular
checkups and wait it out
Slide 25
Chemotherapy - Uses high doses of drugs to destroy leukemia -
Has many side effects and may kill normal cells as well
Slide 26
Biological therapy: - The usage of drugs that improve bodys
natural defense against the disease
Slide 27
Radiation therapy - Uses high-energy rays to kill leukemia
cells - Lots of side affects and may kill normal cells as well
Slide 28
Stem cell transplant - After destroying cancer cells, infuse
blood-forming stem cells into the body (either from yourself or a
matching donor)
Slide 29
Survival rates
Slide 30
Children: ALL- 90% AML- less than 40% CLL- Not available CML-
70%
Slide 31
Adults: AML-40% ALL-35% CML-90% CLL- 82%
Slide 32
Sources: -"KidsHealth." Leukemia. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Aug. 2013.
-Nordqvist, Christian. "What Is Leukemia? What Causes Leukemia?"
Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 17 Mar. 2009. Web.
111 Aug. 2013 - "National Cancer Institute." Leukemia Home Page -.
N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Aug. 2013.