Leukemia
Leukemia is any cancer of the bone marrow that prevents the normal manufacture of
blood cells, usually the white blood cells. There are four main types of leukemia.
Lymphocytic Leukemia
When the cancer develops in the lymphocytes (lymphoid cells), it is called lymphocytic
leukemia. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy or bone marrow transplantation.
Myelogenous Leukemia
When the cancer develops in the granulocytes or monocytes (myeloid white blood cells),
it is called myelogenous leukemia. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation
therapy or bone marrow transplantation.
Acute Leukemia
The new or immature cells, called blasts, remain very immature and cannot perform
their functions. The blasts increase in number rapidly, and the disease progresses
quickly.
Chronic Leukemia
There are some blast cells present, but they are more mature and are able to perform
some of their functions. The cells grow more slowly, and the number increases less
quickly, so the disease progresses gradually.
Diagnosis
Based on these findings, the leukemia is then classified into one of the four main
types of leukemias: acute myelogenous leukemia (AML); chronic myelogenous leukemia
(CML); acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL); or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Bone Marrow Transplantation
Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a special therapy for patients with cancer
or other diseases which affect the bone marrow. A bone marrow transplant involves
taking cells that are normally found in the bone marrow (stem cells), filtering
those cells, and giving them back either to the patient or to another person. The
goal of BMT is to transfuse healthy bone marrow cells into a person after their
own unhealthy bone marrow has been eliminated.
Bone marrow transplantation is not yet a standard treatment therapy, but has been
used successfully to treat diseases such as leukemias, lymphomas, aplastic anemia,
immune deficiency disorders, and some solid tumor cancers since 1968.
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The Nebraska Medical Center Survivorship Program
A Survivorship Program at The Nebraska Medical Center are available to patients
as point of transitional care before the patient returns to their primary care doctor.
Introduction to this program is made following the completion of cancer care at
The Nebraska Medical Center. During participation in this program the survivor is
offered a multi-disciplinary clinic where social workers, physical therapists, RN
case managers and nutritionists develop a "survivorship care plan" based on the
survivor's special medical, physical and nutritional needs.
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For Physician Referrals or more information on leukemia and survivor programs
call 1-800-922-0000