The bone marrow & other blood forming organs produce
increased numbers of abnormal white blood cells. The rapid growth
of abnormal cells suppresses the production of normal blood
cells.
Types of leukaemias:
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
ALL increases the number of white blood cells called
lymphocytes.
Incidence
ALL is the most common form of leukaemia that accounts for 30%
of childhood cancers, and 6% of adolesent cancers. Usually occurs
between 2-8 years old and declines steadily with age.
Treatment
A 2-3 year treatment plan that includes several phases of
chemotherapy and occasionally radiotherapy to the brain. For high
risk patients or a reoccurance, a bone marrow transplantation may
be necessary.
Follow up
75-80% of children with ALL survive, however survival rates are
poorer for adolescents and young adults at 51%. If there is a
reoccurrence it normally occurs within the first three years after
treatment. Long term side effects are uncommon.
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
With AML there is an increased number of abnormal white blood
cells, called myeloid cells.
Incidence
Almost as common as ALL in adolescents, but usually occurs in
people ages 20 to 29.
Treatment
AML can be more difficult to treat. A 6 month treatment plan of
chemotherapyis common.Two or three drugs are used in each course of
treatment lasting from five to 10 days. A total of four or five
courses of chemotherapy are given on a monthly basis. Depending on
the success of chemotherapy, a BMT may be necessary.
Follow up
Because AML is harder to treat than ALL, survival rates are
lowerer. 50% of childhood AML patients and 42% of adolescent AML
patients survive. If there is a reoccurrence it normally occurs
within the first three years after treatment.