Leukemia (Acute & Chronic)

Leukemia is a group of blood cancers that originate in the bone marrow and result in the uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells. It is broadly classified into acute and chronic forms, based on disease progression, and into lymphoid or myeloid types depending on the affected cell line. Chronic leukemias, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), usually develop slowly and may remain asymptomatic for extended periods.

Common symptoms of leukemia include persistent fatigue, frequent infections, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, bone pain, weight loss, and enlarged lymph nodes or spleen. Diagnosis involves blood tests, bone marrow examination, immunophenotyping, cytogenetic studies, and molecular testing to accurately classify the disease and guide therapy.

Treatment strategies vary according to leukemia type, stage, patient age, and overall health. Options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. Advances in molecular medicine, particularly targeted drugs, have significantly improved survival and quality of life. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment planning are key to achieving optimal outcomes in both acute and chronic leukemia.