White Blood Cell | Lymphatic Cancer

Posts tagged "white blood cell"

Hope for the Future: New Treatments for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Home Use)

Hope for the Future: New Treatments for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (Home Use): Movies & TV

Chemotherapy – ICE Chemotherapy

ICE chemotherapy is a combination chemotherapy that involves the usage of three types of drugs. These drugs are Ifosfamide, Carboplatin and Etoposide. ICE chemotherapy is used to treat non-Hodgkin-lymphoma (a diverse group of blood cancer). In recent years, scientists have found that when ICE is combined with Rituximab, referred as R-ICE it shows better results.

Method of ICE treatment

ICE chemotherapy treatment is given at the hospital. The patient is told to do certain blood tests, before the treatment is done. The doctor will verify the blood count and based on the report, chemotherapy drug will be prepared by the pharmaceutical companies.

This drug is administered intravenously. A thin tube is inserted into the veins near the collar bone or into the veins of the arms. The patient may experience some pain when the tube is being inserted into the vein but it is for a short period of time. Once the tube is inserted into the vein the pain goes off. When the drug enters the blood, the patient may feel uncomfortable or sick. To avoid this, the doctor will give anti sickness drugs to the patient before giving the ICE drug intravenously. This anti sickness drug is given by drip. The medicine is injected through PICC line, cannula or the central line which is connected to the drip. Some oral medication may also be given to prevent the sickness.

Possible side effects of ICE drug

Vomiting

One may feel nausea or sick after the drug is injected. This is a very mild side effect and the doctor will give you anti-sickness drugs to make you feel better. If after the medication, sickness continues then contact your doctor..

Neutropenia (low resistance to infection)

ICE and R-ICE chemotherapy makes one prone to infections as this treatment tends to reduce the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow. This side effect will show within 7 days of the first injection of the ICE drug. After the 10th day of ICE chemotherapy, the white blood cell count will fall to the lowest level and then after that it will gradually return to normal. In case your blood count does not return to normal, your doctor may delay the treatment.

Irritation in bladder

This drug may cause some irritation in the bladder. You will be suggested to drink plenty of water so that you pass urine after every 3 to 4 hours. Your urine may be tested. If the doctors find blood in the urine, then you will be given a drug named mesna.

Blood clot

Cancer may cause blood clot in different parts of the body. Chemotherapy increases the chances of blood clot. If you experience unusual pain anywhere in the body, breathlessness, or notice any redness/swelling in any part of the body inform your doctor about it. They will give you the appropriate medicine.

Fertility issues

Fertility issue may arise in both males as well as females. You can talk to your doctor regarding the same. It is advised not to get pregnant as long as the medication continues as it may harm the developing baby. Since the drug stops the growth of cancer cells, it may also stop the cell growth of the developing baby. As a result the baby may be severely deformed.

Note: Incase your body temperature rises above 38ºc or you feel unwell even in a normal temperature, go to the hospital immediately.

Gloria Kat provides information of chemotherapy One can choose any one of the effective treatment and ice chemotherapy.

Four Types of Malignant Tumors

Cancer may be malignant or benign. By way of the varieties of cells that form the tumor and by the trait features of those tumors, they are classified as carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas and leukemias. Several types of illustrative examinations are there to confirm, which types of disease a patient possesses. We will deal about these four types of tumor types one by one below.

Sarcomas: They will form only mostly in the connective tissues of the human body. Sarcoma has a special characteristic feature of spreading and invading any of the organ in the body. They generally occur in the blood vessels and lymphatic tubes, as they are formed by the connective tissues. Apart from these areas, sarcomas also form in the tissues of muscles, tissues of fibers, bones, bone cartilages, tissues of fat, and so on. The best examples of sarcomas are Ewing’s sarcoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma. These both types of tumors are of malignant sarcomas and are deadly in nature.

Carcinomas: These types of tumors mostly form in the tissues that contain epithelium. Skin in the body contains epithelium on it and covers the core organs of the body. These types of tumors are deadly and life-threatening neoplasm (new development) in nature. They commonly occur on the outer skin of the penis, urinary organs, around prostate glands, and ureters, core parts of the small intestines, and the interior part of the nose.

Leukemias: These tumors arise in the blood, especially in the white blood cells, and so they are called as leukemias or blood cancer. Blood originates in the bone marrow wherefrom blood passes to the other organs of the body through blood vessels. When leukemia tumor arises in the bone marrow, blood generates more white blood cells, and this abnormality is found when the blood test was done to the patient. These white blood cells are immature in nature.

Lymphomas: These types of tumors are also formed in the blood cells called lymphocytes on the lymph vessels and the glands of the lymphatic system. Lymph system is the autoimmune system of the body. These tumors commonly are life-threatening in nature.

Benign cancers are curable in nature; on the contrary to this malignant cancers are life-threatening and complicated in nature. Early detection and correct regimen of radiation, drugs, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy are essential needs of cancer disease. Many cancer treatments are costly. Cancer treatments are of two types, such as palliative and curative. Palliative treatments are given to the end-stage patients just to give them physical comfort and peace of mind. Curative measures are given to the patients with progressive and initial stages of disease.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatments

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Acute myeloid leukemia and you find yourself wanting to learn more about the different types of treatments and supportive therapy options that you have available to you?

If so, then you will be glad to know that in this article you will discover the different types of options that you have to treat acute myeloid leukemia and more importantly some of the supportive therapy options that you and your loved ones can utilize during this fight against this devastating cancer.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatments and Supportive Therapies!

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells that is characterized by a rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that build up in the bone marrow and interfere with the normal production of blood cells.

Symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia:

FatigueShortness of BreathEasily bleeds or bruiseHigher incidence of infection

Since AML is as an acute leukemia, it progresses rapidly and can be fatal within weeks or months if left untreated.

Treatment options of cute Myeloid Leukemia:

The most common treatment of AML is usually chemotherapy that is divided into two separate phases of induction and consolidation therapy. The intent of the induction phase is to reduce the amount of leukemic cells to an undetectable level. Once that is achieved the intention of the consolidation phase is to eliminate all of the disease.

Supportive Therapy Options:

Fighting the battle against any type of cancer can be a very daunting and at times almost overwhelming process. That’s why your healthcare provider may provide you with a list of AML support groups that will allow you to communicate and share with other AML sufferers to help easy some of the suffering by sharing.

Another option is to begin practicing Yoga Nidra which is a guided meditation technique that will allow you to expand your capacity to be in this moment now in an empowering way that will decrease the amount of unneeded suffering that you may be struggling with as well as give you moments of relaxation in the mist of so much pain and suffering.

Thaddeus Ferguson has dedicated himself to the cause of helping people heal themselves first in order to help heal the world during this amazing time of transformation.

The practice of Meditation and/or Yoga Nidra is just one of the many powerful tools that you can use in order to help Heal You First.

21st Century Adult Cancer Sourcebook: Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), ANLL, Myelogenous or Myeloblastic Leukemia – Clinical Data for Patients, Families, and Physicians

Authoritative information and practical advice from the nation’s cancer experts about acute myeloid leukemia (AML) includes official medical data on signs, symptoms, treatment options, drugs, chemotherapy, staging, biology, prognosis, and survival, with a complete glossary of technical medical terms and current references. Starting with the basics, and advancing to detailed patient-oriented and physician-quality information, this comprehensive in-depth compilation gives empowered patients, families, caregivers, nurses, and physicians the knowledge they need to understand the diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.

Adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. This type of cancer usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated. It is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. AML is also called acute myelogenous leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. Normally, the bone marrow makes blood stem cells (immature cells) that develop into mature blood cells over time. A blood stem cell may become a myeloid stem cell or a lymphoid stem cell. The lymphoid stem cell develops into a white blood cell. The myeloid stem cell develops into one of three types of mature blood cells: Red blood cells that carry oxygen and other materials to all tissues of the body; white blood cells that fight infection and disease; and platelets that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form.

In AML, the myeloid stem cells usually develop into a type of immature white blood cell called myeloblasts (or myeloid blasts). The myeloblasts in AML are abnormal and do not become healthy white blood cells. Sometimes in AML, too many stem cells develop into abnormal red blood cells or platelets. These abnormal white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets are also called leukemia cells or blasts. Leukemia cells can build up in the bone marrow and blood so there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. When this happens, infection, anemia, or easy bleeding may occur. The leukemia cells can spread outside the blood to other parts of the body, including the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), skin, and gums.

Comprehensive data on clinical trials related to AML is included – with information on intervention, sponsor, gender, age group, trial phase, number of enrolled patients, funding source, study type, study design, NCT identification number and other IDs, first received date, start date, completion date, primary completion date, last updated date, last verified date, associated acronym, and outcome measures.

Extensive supplements, with chapters gathered from our Cancer Toolkit series and other reports, cover a broad range of cancer topics useful to cancer patients. This edition includes our exclusive Guide to Leading Medical Websites with updated links to 81 of the best sites for medical information, which let you quickly check for updates from the government and the best commercial portals, news sites, reference/textbook/non-commercial portals, and health organizations. Supplemental coverage includes:

Levels of Evidence for Cancer Treatment Studies
Glossary of Clinical Trial Terms
Clinical Trials Background Information and In-Depth Program
Clinical Trials at NIH
How To Find A Cancer Treatment Trial: A Ten-Step Guide
Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies
Access to Investigational Drugs
Clinical Trials Conducted by the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer
Facing Forward – Life After Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy and You

This is a privately authored news service and educational publication of Progressive Management.

What You Always Wanted To Know About Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Medical Basic Guides)

“What You Always Wanted To Know About…” are fully researched, straight-to-the-point, easily understandable and most comprehensive medical ebooks and guides for everybody.
Whether you are just interested in the topic of the book or you are directly affected by it, these books can really help you with the information you need.
All books including interactive tables-of-contents, this is your step toward new insights and informations.

The contents of this book:

General Information About Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Stages of Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Treatment Option Overview
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Stem cell transplant
Other drug therapy

Treatment Options for Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Untreated Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Remission
Recurrent Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Leukemia is a Type of Cancer

Leukemia is a type of cancer. It kills many individuals each year. There are treatments available for this disease.

Leukemia is a certain type of cancer. Cancer is a disease that causes cells to become abnormal. Normal cells in the body divide and than die when they are no longer needed. Abnormal cells divide more than they should and do not die when they are no longer needed. It begins in the blood or the tissue that forms the blood. Bone marrow forms blood and often this disease starts in bone marrow. Leukemia cancer causes many abnormal blood cells to produce.

There are two types of leukemia cancer: acute leukemia and chronic leukemia.

A person who is diagnosed with chronic leukemia cancer often does not have any symptoms. Leukemia cells in a chronic leukemia patient often can still work as white blood cells. Chronic leukemia slowly worsens over time.

A person who is diagnosed with acute leukemia cancer often does not have leukemia cells that can function as white blood cells. Acute leukemia worsens very quickly.

A regular physical exam might lead a doctor to think a person has leukemia. When this disease is suspected in a patient the doctor will usually order blood work on the patient. A complete blood count that includes the count of the number of white blood cells a person has will often be able to diagnose the disease.

One form of treatment for this disease is radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses radiation to kill leukemia cells. Another form of treatment for leukemia is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill leukemia cells. There are also other types of treatments for individuals who have this disease.

Reference

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Childhood Leukemia: A guide for Families, Friends & Caregivers (Patient Centered Guides)

This most complete parent guide covers not only detailed and precise medical information about leukemia and the various treatment options, but also day-to-day practical advice on how to cope with procedures, hospitalization, family and friends, school, social and financial issues, communication, feelings, and, if therapy is not successful, the difficult issues of death and bereavement. Woven among the medical details and the practical advice are the voices of more than 150 parents and children who have lived with leukemia and its treatments. As many parents have already found, advice from “veteran” parents can be a lifeline.

Obtaining a basic understanding of topics such as medical terminology, common side effects of chemotherapy, and how to interpret blood counts can help improve quality of life for the whole family. Learning how to develop a partnership with your child’s physician can vastly increase a family’s peace of mind. Hearing parents describe their own emotional ups and downs, how they coped, and how they molded their family life around hospitalizations is a tremendous comfort. Just knowing that there are other kids on chemotherapy who refuse to eat anything but tacos or who have frequent rages makes one feel less alone.

Parents who read this book will encounter medical facts simply explained, advice to ease their daily life, and tools to be a strong advocate for their child. This fourth edition contains significant updates to the information on treatments (including tailoring treatments to children’s individual genetic profiles), chemotherapy drugs, stem cell transplants, coping with side effects, and resources. It also contains a personal treatment summary and long-term follow-up guide for your child to keep as a permanent record.

Information About Leukemia

Leukemia is actually several different cancerous diseases, all of which involve an increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood or in the bone marrow, in which the normal blood cells are replaced by the immature white blood cells.

One of the signs of leukemia is the tendency towards excessive bruising and bleeding.

People with leukemia often find themselves susceptible to infections more than they have been in the past. This is because the white blood cells which are the blood cells which fight the infections may be suppressed in some way or be unable to function as they normally would. This leaves the victim of leukemia often falling victim to infections such as tonsillitis, sores in their mouths, diarrhea, pneumonia and other infectious diseases which attack their body.

Victims of leukemia often become anemic, suffer from shortness of breath and become unusually pale of color.

Other symptoms of leukemia also include flu like symptoms, headaches, chills, fever and also unexplained weight loss.

Some medical professionals feel that some studies tend to indicate that treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy used to
combat former cancerous conditions tend to contribute to the development of leukemia in some of its victims.

Some medical professionals also feel that the use of tobacco contributes to that form of leukemia known as acute myeloid leukemia which is often contracted by adults.

There seem to be indications also that genetic ties play a part in certain kinds of leukemia. Many people feel that this is a good argument why adoption records should be open, at least as far as medical records are concerned, from the very beginning and that they be completely accessible when the adoptee becomes an adult.

Most forms of leukemia are combated with intense regiments of chemotherapy. Some are also treated with radiation, but chemotherapy seems to be the most effective and is usually the treatment of choice. Sometimes bone marrow transplants are also used and often have proven successful.

Clinical research of leukemia in all of its forms is being done on a large scale. On the average over two hundred thousand people die every year of some form of leukemia. Although the majority of the victims of leukemia are adults, there are forms of leukemia which attack children and young people as well.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from leukemia, don’t hesitate, don’t put it off, get yourself or your loved one to a doctor. Be checked. If it turns out to be something else, something simple, celebrate. If it turns out to be leukemia, celebrate as well. Celebrate that you didn’t wait and that you and your doctor are going to work as a team with a goal of healing for you or your loved one.

Leukemia Treatment

Leukemia is the cancer of the white blood cells. It is also referred to as blood cancer when the white blood cells are abnormally high. It’s a kind of cancer that makes the bone marrow produce large number of immature white blood cells that are found in the blood system.

Leukemia came from the Greek words ‘leukos’ and ‘heima’ which refers to excess white blood cells in the blood. This disease was officially diagnosed in Edinburg, 1845 by John Hughes but has been on for centuries. It is a fatal cancer disease that affects children and adults with a very bleak survival rate. When old cells in the body die, they are quickly replaced by new ones but in the case of leukemia, the old cells do not die and new ones are subsequently produced thereby increasing more cells in the body and causing blood cancer.

However, when there are excess white blood cells in the body or leukemia, over time the number of blood cells will overcrowd other blood cells and make it difficult for blood to carry out its function. The body’s immune systems are also affected and unable to fight infections.

There are 4 major types of leukemia namely chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. Most forms of acute leukemia are quite risky with a very slim survival rates but can be treated as soon as it’s diagnosed early.
Early symptoms of leukemia are as follows;

There could be signs of reoccurring fever which might fail to recede after medication. In such cases it is very difficult to diagnose, due to absence of any bacteria pathogen.

The immune system could be broken down because of the presence of white blood cells thereby making the body very feeble to contact diseases such as tuberculosis, candidiasis and so on.

Due to the destruction of the red blood cells, another early signs of leukemia is the presence of tiny red spot mostly seen on the skins or in the oral cavity. An early symptom of leukemia in children includes fatigue, weakness and inability to take part in rigorous physical activities, unexplained swellings, paleness, bone and joint pain and shortness of breath can also be attributed to leukemia.

Other symptoms include kidney problem, loss of libido, excessive sweating, skin rashes, and nausea. Such are symptoms characterized with someone suffering from leukemia and as such it is better to go for blood test as soon as you notice any change in the system and if diagnosed earlier it could be treated on time.

The cure for leukemia

In the 18th century, arsenic was the oldest form of treatment for leukemia before Thomas Fowler invented a solution of potassium bicarbonate and arsenic trioxide which was then known as fowler’s solution. It became a standard remedy to treat leukemia and anemia diseases before it was replaced in the 20th century by radiation therapy which has been very helpful in curing leukemia. But today, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, 6-mercaptopurin, and aminopterin, has been replaced with genetic analysis and bone marrow transplant which is considered as the most effective means in curbing the menace of leukemia or cancer of the blood.

Treatment of Leukemia and Lymphoma, Volume 51 (Advances in Pharmacology)

New Treatments of Leukemia and Lymphoma describes the most important advances in the therapy of hematopoietic cancers that have been derived from recent discoveries in cancer cell biology, kinase biochemistry, and immunology.

Detailed descriptions of the large number of new and effective agents that have recently become available for the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas as well as an understanding of their mechanisms of action and their integration into current therapy are provided. A number of experimental drug reagents currently in clinical investigation are also discussed. The therapies include conventional anti-metabolites, monoclonal antibodies directed to cell surface receptors, antibodies tagged with toxins and radiopharmaceuticals, inhibitors of specific kinases, stem cell transplants, and engineered T-cells designed to selectively target hematopoietic cancers.

The contents of the book will allow practitioners and investigators alike to understand what is current and state of the art as well as what to look for in the future.

* Provides an up-to-date, state of the art discussion of a rapidly changing field
* Great breadth covering conventional chemotherapeutic agents, biologic agents such as antibodies, novel small molecule inhibitors and genetically engineered cells
* Written by international experts in each of the fields

Leukemia Causes and Its Effects on Blood Cells

Leukemia is cancer of blood which starts in bone marrow. The word “Leukemia” means white blood. The end result of leukemia is reduction in blood cells count. To understand leukemia, it is very important to be aware of the formation of blood.

Our blood consists of plasma and cells which float in this yellow colored liquid. Blood cells are categorized into red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Each of these types performs very important job in our body. Red cell transport oxygen from lungs to all tissues of body and bring back carbon dioxide which is then breath out. Deficiency in red blood cells may cause diseases like anemia. White cells are building blocks of immune system. Immune system detects dangerous substances in body and kills them. So white cells protect our body against diseases attacks. Lack of white cells exposes body to various diseases. Platelets are clotting bodies. Platelets clot blood and stop bleeding in case of any wound. Deficiency of platelets may result in too much bleeding and excess of platelets leads to clots in blood.

All blood cells are produced in bone marrow. Due to some unknown reasons, damage is caused to the DNA of cells (mostly white blood cells). As a result of this damage, bone marrow produces abnormal cells. These abnormal cells are produced at rapid speed. Normal body cells are replaced by fresh healthy cells after few months but these abnormal cells last for long time. Eventually, abnormal cells replace almost all of the normal cells if left untreated. This situation is called leukemia. Leukemia is also called cancer of bone marrow because it starts in bone marrow.

Leukemia symptoms include swelling in lymph nodes, pain in joints, bruising, weight loss, night sweats and tiredness. If some one feels such symptoms, he should not worry as leukemia symptoms are shared by many other diseases. He should immediately contact his doctor. The diagnosis of leukemia is done by CBC and bone marrow test and its treatment options includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplant. Often, a mixed approach is used to treat leukemia.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Vs Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

My introduction to lymphoma came one, quiet July afternoon in 2008 as I was sitting at my desk at work. My husband called. He had been feeling poorly for the last couple of weeks while we were on vacation and had just been to see the doctor.

“The doctor said I’ve got one of three things,” he calmly reported. “But the only one I can remember is lymphoma.” He went on to say that he was calling from a hospital bed where he had a few things stuck in and on him. (Before I lost control of my thoughts, I was reminded of an incident two years earlier. Then, my husband had left me a voice mail. The message went something like this: “My appendix burst. I’m in the hospital. You can stop by if you want to.”)

Our life plummeted into the realm of conscious uncertainty. Non-medical people, we searched all over the Internet, talked to family, friends, friends of friends, doctors, etc., to find out everything we could about this kind of cancer.

Soon enough, we were reminded of the danger of Internet searches. There is almost too much information — a lot of it is downright scary and some of it is ultimately inaccurate. Even without really understanding my husband’s current condition, we were already contemplating the worst possible outcome.

Types of Lymphoma

There are two main types of lymphoma — Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (also called Hodgkin’s Disease) and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Both types develop in the lymphocytes, white blood cells that are an important part of the body’s immune system. The two types have similarities, but there are definite distinctions.

Lymphocytes have two main cell types: B cells or T cells. With lymphoma, either the B cell or the T cell becomes abnormal; the first abnormal cell quickly divides and then subsequent abnormal cells divide, encroaching upon and destroying other lymphatic cells. And, while lymphoma originates in the body’s lymphatic system, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can spread to bone marrow and other organs such as the liver and spleen.

Symptoms and Signs

My spouse had been complaining about aching, swollen lumps in his neck. He had also been having night sweats and fever. These are typical symptoms for both Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Other symptoms include breathing problems, fatigue, itching, unexplained weight loss, and swollen lumps in the armpits and/or groin.

The doctors told us it was not uncommon for either type of cancer to appear in adults in their 50′s, but, typically, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma appears in children and young adults. In contrast, the risk for developing Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma increases with age and typically appears between the ages of 40 and 70.

My husband, a seemingly healthy man who watched his diet and regularly exercised, was in his early 50′s.

Diagnosis

After several tests, there was little doubt that my husband had lymphoma, but in order to treat it, the doctors needed to know exactly what type it was.

There are several diagnostic techniques used, either alone or in combination, to make the diagnosis between Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. These include blood tests, thorough physical examinations, biopsies of bone marrow, and chest x-rays. The definitive test, however, is the tissue biopsy of part or all of an affected lymph node.

The hospital did a biopsy of one of the lumps on his neck on a Friday. The results would not be available until early the next week. So, it was back to the Internet to see what else we could learn and worry about. Meanwhile, my spouse was suffering and more painful lumps were fast appearing. Overwhelmed with both too much general and too little specific information, we waited for news from the lab.

Under the microscope, the presence of an abnormal B cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell, a particular kind of lymphocyte, indicates Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Diagnosis is not as easy for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma; there are over 30 different types of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma which include various types of cells and cell markers.

Finally, on Monday, we learned we were dealing with Anaplastic T cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. At last, we knew the enemy.

Treatment

Now that we knew the type of cancer, we had all the usual questions about treatment. Chemo? Radiation? How long? How much?

Like all cancers, lymphoma is characterized by stages which define the extent or severity of the cancer, and treatment differs depending on the cell type and stage. Treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can include radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of the two. Stem cell or blood marrow transplantation can be recommended in more severe cases. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is typically treated with chemotherapy; on rare occasions, radiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy is utilized.

The type and severity of lymphoma determine the response to any particular treatment. Other treatments for lymphoma can include radioimmunotherapy or immunotherapy alone; surgery is rarely a treatment option.

In my spouse’s case, he had Stage III (of I to IV with IV being the most severe) of an aggressive type of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. That meant hitting him hard and fast with chemotherapy. They began it almost immediately. The first treatment was excruciating and weakened him, but it provided great results. After a week, he was released with a treatment plan that included five additional chemotherapy sessions.

As we left the hospital, I remember watching my husband – stooped over, thinner by 30-some pounds, frail and weak – as he carefully got into the car in the parking lot. I wondered whether he would ever return to his vibrant, irreverent self.

Statistics for New Cases and Deaths

In 2008, my spouse was one of the estimated 74,340 people to be diagnosed with lymphoma. In that same year, it was estimated that 20,150 people with lymphoma would die. Staggering statistics that we couldn’t seem to comprehend at the time.

The American Cancer Society’s Facts & Figures 2010 lists the expected new cases and estimated deaths for men and women in the U.S. for 2010 for lymphoma as follows:

Estimated New Cancers (2010)

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – 8,490Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – 65,540

Estimated Cancer Deaths (2010)

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – 1,320Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – 20,210

Prognosis

According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is 85%; the 10-year survival rate is 81%. It is much tougher to pin down survival rates for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Prognosis varies depending on the type of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, as well as other factors including the stage, the cell type, blood counts, other medical problems, etc.

Since his last chemotherapy treatment in November 2008, my husband’s periodic scans have been clean and his prognosis is excellent. He’s back to his old self, with only two visible scars (one from the biopsy and the other marking the location of the port used to administer chemotherapy), the scans, and doctor’s appointments to remind us that life is tenuous.

While I continue to scour information about both types of lymphoma, my husband rarely, if ever, speaks about it, although he is conscientious about his scans. Looking back, the most angst-filled time during the entire ordeal was while we were waiting for the final diagnosis. After all, looking at the facts and figures, it would seem Hodgkin’s Lymphoma might be the ‘preferred’ disease, but it was not that simple. It was never necessarily that we thought one type of lymphoma was more ‘optimistic’ than the other; we just desperately needed to know for treatment purposes. Besides, I believe there are too many other factors involved in survival, i.e., the severity, the treatment, response to treatment, etc., that overshadow any mere numbers linked to a particular type of disease. In fact, I honestly believe the most important factor is the patient’s attitude.

In my husband’s case, he just had lymphoma – didn’t matter which to him. He just wanted to put it behind him. He went back to work as soon as he could and worked around his chemotherapy, taking little time off. He did not let cancer stop him, he did not let it define him and, unless he told you, you would never know.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in Children

This information is about acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children. It is helpful to read general information on children’s cancer, which contains more information about cancers in children, their diagnosis and treatment and the support services available.

* Leukaemia
* ALL
* Causes of ALL
* Signs and symptoms
* How it is diagnosed
* Treatment
* Side effects of treatment
* Clinical trials
* Follow-up
* Your feelings
* References

Leukaemia

One third of all childhood cancers are leukaemia, with approximately 400 new cases occurring each year in the UK. Approximately three quarters (75%) of these are acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. ALL can affect children at any age but is more common between the ages of 1 and 4. ALL is more common in boys than girls.

ALL

Leukaemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. All blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy substance at the core of some of the bones in the body. Bone marrow contains:

* red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body
* white blood cells that help fight infection
* platelets that help the blood to clot and control bleeding.

There are two different types of white cell: lymphocytes or myeloid cells. These white blood cells work together to fight infection. Normally white blood cells repair and reproduce themselves in an orderly and controlled way. In leukaemia, however, the process gets out of control and the cells continue to divide, but do not mature.

These immature dividing cells fill up the bone marrow and stop it from making healthy blood cells. As the leukaemic cells are not mature, they cannot work properly. This leads to an increased risk of infection. Because the bone marrow cannot make enough healthy red blood cells and platelets, symptoms such as anaemia and bruising can occur.

There are four main types of leukaemia: acute lymphoblastic (ALL), acute myeloid (AML), chronic lymphocytic (CLL) and chronic myeloid (CML). Chronic leukaemias usually affect adults and are extremely rare in children and young people. Each type of leukaemia has its own characteristics and treatment. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is a cancer of immature lymphocytes, called lymphoblasts or blast cells.

There are two different types of lymphocytes: T-cells and B-cells. Often the leukaemia occurs at a very early stage in the immature lymphocytes, before they have developed as far as becoming either T-cells or B-cells. However, if the cells have developed this far before becoming leukaemic, the type of leukaemia may be known as T-cell or B-cell leukaemia.

Causes of ALL

The exact cause of ALL is unknown. Research is going on all the time into possible causes of this disease. Children with certain genetic disorders, such as Down’s syndrome, are known to have a higher risk of developing leukaemia. Brothers and sisters of a child with ALL have a slightly increased risk of developing ALL themselves, although this risk is still small.

In recent years there has been publicity about leukaemia occurring more often in children living close to nuclear power plants or high-voltage power lines. Research is still under way to see if there is any definite link between these factors but as yet there is no evidence of this. ALL, like other types of cancer, is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people.

Signs and symptoms

As the leukaemia cells multiply in the bone marrow, the production of normal blood cells is reduced. Children may therefore become tired and lethargic due to anaemia, which is caused by a lack of red blood cells. They may develop bruises, and bleeding may take longer to stop due to low numbers of platelets. Sometimes children may suffer from infections because of low numbers of normal white blood cells.

A child is likely to feel generally unwell and may complain of aches and pains in the limbs, or may have swollen lymph glands. At first the symptoms are just like those of a viral infection, but when they continue for more than a week or two the diagnosis usually becomes clear.

How it is diagnosed

A blood test usually shows low numbers of normal white blood cells and the presence of the abnormal leukaemic cells. A sample of bone marrow is needed to confirm the diagnosis. A lumbar puncture is done to see if the spinal fluid contains any leukaemia cells. A chest x-ray is also done, which will show if there are any enlarged glands in the chest. Other tests may be necessary, depending on the child’s symptoms.

These tests will help to identify the precise type of leukaemia involved.

Treatment

The aim of treatment for ALL is to destroy the leukaemia cells and allow the bone marrow to work normally again. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for ALL. Usually a combination of chemotherapy drugs are given according to a treatment plan (often called a protocol or regimen). The treatment is given in several phases, or ‘blocks’, which are outlined below.

Induction This phase involves intensive treatment aimed at destroying as many leukaemia cells as possible. The induction phase lasts for 4-6 weeks. A bone-marrow test is taken at the end of induction treatment to check if the child is in remission. Remission is where there is no evidence of leukaemia.

Consolidation and central nervous system (CNS) treatment The next phase of treatment is aimed at maintaining the remission and also at preventing the spread of leukaemia cells into the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system). CNS treatment involves injecting a drug, usually methotrexate, directly into the spinal fluid (intrathecally) during a lumbar puncture. Occasionally radiotherapy to the brain is also necessary.

Further doses of chemotherapy treatment (somtimes called ‘intensification blocks’) are given in order to kill off any remaining leukaemia cells. Between 2 and 4 blocks of treatment may be needed, depending on your child’s particular treatment plan.

Maintenance treatment This phase of treatment lasts for up to 2 years for girls and up to 3 years for boys, from diagnosis. It involves daily tablets and monthly injections of chemotherapy.

Children will be able to take part in their normal daily activities as soon as they feel able to. Some children return to school before maintenance treatment.

Bone-marrow transplantation Bone-marrow transplantation is only used for children with ALL that is likely to come back following standard chemotherapy, or for children whose leukaemia has come back (recurred) following standard treatment.

Testicular radiotherapy In some situations it may be necessary for boys to have radiotherapy to their testicles. This is because leukaemia cells can survive in the testicles despite chemotherapy.

Side effects of treatment

Many cancer treatments will cause side effects. This is because while the treatments are killing the cancer cells they can also damage some normal cells. Some of the main side effects are:

* hair loss
* reduction in the number of blood cells produced by the bone marrow, which can cause anemia, an increased risk of bruising, bleeding and infection
* loss of appetite and weight
* nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting

Most side effects are temporary and there are ways of reducing them and supporting your child through them. Your child’s doctor or nurse will talk to you about any possible side effects.

Late side effects

A small number of children may develop late side effects, sometimes many years later. These include possible problems with puberty and fertility, a change in the way the heart works and a small increase in the risk of developing another cancer in later life. Your child’s doctor or nurse will explain about any possible late side effects.

Clinical trials

Many children have their treatment as part of a clinical research trial. Trials aim to improve our understanding of the best way to treat an illness (usually by comparing the standard treatment with a new or modified version of the standard treatment). Specialist doctors carry out trials for ALL. Your child’s medical team will talk to you about taking part in a clinical trial (if appropriate) and will answer any questions you may have. Written information is often provided to help explain things. Taking part in a research trial is completely voluntary and you’ll be given plenty of time to decide if it is right for your child. At present the main trial for ALL is called ‘UKALL 2003′.

Most children with ALL are cured. If the leukaemia comes back, it normally does so within the first three years after stopping treatment. Further treatment can then be given. Long-term side effects are uncommon and most children with ALL grow and develop normally.

If you have specific concerns about your child’s condition and treatment, it is best to discuss them with your child’s doctor, who knows the situation in detail.

Your feelings

As a parent, the fact that your child has cancer is one of the worst situations to face. You may have many different emotions, such as fear, guilt, sadness, anger and uncertainty. These are all normal reactions and are part of the process that many parents go through at such a difficult time. There is not enough space here to address all of the feelings you may have. However, general information on children’s cancer talks about the emotional impact of caring for a child with cancer and suggests sources of help and support.

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