leukemic

Leukemic is an adjective related to leukemia, a group of cancers of the blood and bone marrow characterized by the abnormal proliferation of white blood cells and impaired hematopoiesis. The term is used to describe things associated with leukemia, such as leukemic cells, leukemic infiltration of tissues, or leukemic transformation, where noncancerous cells begin to resemble leukemic cells.

Leukemia is categorized by the speed of progression (acute vs chronic) and by the lineage of the malignant cells (lymphoid vs myeloid). Acute leukemias involve rapid expansion of immature cells (lymphoblasts or myeloblasts) and often require urgent treatment; chronic leukemias involve more mature cells and may progress slowly. Leukemic cells can accumulate in the blood and bone marrow, displacing normal blood cell production and leading to anemia, infections, and bleeding.

Diagnosis typically relies on a complete blood count showing abnormal white blood cells and circulating blasts, confirmed by bone marrow examination. Additional testing includes flow cytometry to determine cell lineage, cytogenetic analysis, and molecular testing to identify genetic abnormalities that influence prognosis and treatment choices.

Symptoms of leukemia vary but can include fatigue, fever or infections, easy bruising or bleeding, weight loss, and bone or joint pain. Presentations depend on disease subtype and burden.

Treatment is subtype-dependent and may involve chemotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation, and, in some cases, allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Supportive care, including transfusions and antibiotics, is often part of management. Prognosis varies widely with subtype, age, genetic features, and response to therapy.

Etymology: leukemic derives from leukemia, from Greek leukos “white” and haima “blood.” The term also describes cells or processes that resemble leukemic activity.