Tukemia

Tukemia, usually spelled leukemia, refers to a group of cancers that originate in blood-forming tissues such as the bone marrow or in cells of the immune system. It is characterized by the production of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate and impair the normal production of red blood cells, platelets, and healthy immune function. The term encompasses several subtypes with different behaviors and treatment approaches.

Leukemia is commonly classified by the pace of progression—acute or chronic—and by the lineage of the affected white blood cells—lymphoid or myeloid. The main subtypes are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). There are additional less common variants. The treatment strategy and prognosis vary widely among subtypes and are influenced by patient age and genetic features of the disease.

Risk factors and causes include genetic predispositions, prior chemotherapy or radiation exposure, certain inherited syndromes, and age. Environmental factors have a more uncertain role, and many cases arise without a clear single cause. Early signs can be nonspecific and may include fatigue, frequent infections, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, weight loss, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, and bone pain. Diagnosis typically relies on blood tests showing abnormal white blood cell counts, a bone marrow biopsy, and studies such as flow cytometry and cytogenetics to identify subtypes and guide therapy.

Treatment depends on the subtype and may involve chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy (including monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T cell therapy), radiation therapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Prognosis varies widely; pediatric ALL, for example, has a relatively favorable outcome, while some adult leukemias may have a more guarded prognosis. Regular follow-up is essential for monitoring response and managing side effects.