Leukemia In Nagpur
Treatments / Leukemia In Nagpur
What is Leukemia
Leukemia in nagpur are initiates when the DNA within a lone bone marrow cell undergoes a mutation, hindering its ability to mature and perform typical functions. These mutated cells often mimic irregular white blood cells. Treatment approaches for leukemia vary based on the leukemia subtype, individual age, overall health, and the extent of spread to other organs or tissues.
Leukemia Symptoms
Symptoms of leukemia can differ based on its type. Typical signs and indications may include:
- Fever or chills
- Continuous fatigue or weakness
- Recurrent or severe infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swelling of lymph nodes, liver, or spleen
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Nosebleeds occurring frequently
- Small red spots on the skin (petechiae)
- Excessive night sweats
- Pain or tenderness in bones
Types of Leukemia
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL): This leukemia primarily affects young children, though it can also occur in adults.
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML): AML is a prevalent form of leukemia found in both children and adults, being the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): CLL is the most common chronic leukemia in adults. Many individuals with CLL can go years without requiring treatment and may remain asymptomatic during this time.
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML): Predominantly seen in adults, CML may exhibit few or no symptoms for an extended period before progressing to a phase where leukemia cells proliferate rapidly.
- Other types: Additional rare forms of leukemia include hairy cell leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative disorders.
How is Leukemia Treated?
Treatment for leukemia varies depending on factors such as the leukemia type, age, overall health, and the extent of its spread. Common treatments typically involve a combination of the following:
Chemotherapy: This is the primary treatment for leukemia, involving the use of chemicals to either kill leukemia cells or hinder their multiplication. Chemotherapy drugs can be administered orally, intravenously, or via injections under the skin. Often, a combination of chemotherapy drugs is used.
Immunotherapy (biologic therapy): Utilizing specific drugs to bolster the body’s immune system, immunotherapy aids in recognizing and combatting leukemia cells. By enhancing immune cell production, this treatment assists in targeting and eliminating cancerous cells.
Targeted therapy: This treatment employs drugs designed to attack particular components of leukemia cells, such as proteins or genes responsible for abnormal cell growth. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy is more precise and less likely to harm healthy cells. Examples of targeted therapy drugs include monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Radiation therapy: High-energy beams or X-rays are directed at leukemia cells to either destroy them or halt their growth. This treatment can target specific areas where cancer cells are concentrated or be administered to the entire body.
Hematopoietic cell transplant (stem cell or bone marrow transplant): This procedure involves replacing cancerous blood-forming cells with healthy hematopoietic cells. These healthy cells can be harvested from the patient’s own blood or bone marrow prior to chemotherapy and radiation, or obtained from a compatible donor. The transplanted cells proliferate, generating new bone marrow and blood cells essential for bodily functions.
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy: A cutting-edge treatment, CAR T-cell therapy involves extracting the patient’s T-cells, modifying them to target leukemia cells, and reintroducing them into the body. This innovative approach harnesses the body’s own immune system to combat cancer effectively.