Myeloid leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the bone marrow and affects myeloid cells, which are responsible for producing white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Bone marrow is the spongy, soft tissue located inside bones where blood cells are produced.
In myeloid leukemia, the bone marrow produces many abnormal myeloid cells. These cells, which do not mature properly, crowd out healthy blood cells, making it difficult for the body to fight infections, transport oxygen, and control bleeding. Myeloid leukemia can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life, causing fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bleeding.
Symptoms of myeloid leukemia
The symptoms of myeloid leukemia can vary depending on the type of leukemia (acute or chronic) and the affected person. It is important to pay attention to the signals our body sends us, as early detection can make a big difference in treatment. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Fatiga Persistent fatigue and weakness: y debilidad persistente:
a feeling of extreme tiredness that does not improve with rest. This occurs due to a decrease in healthy red blood cells (anemia), which are responsible for transporting oxygen to the tissues.
Fever:
elevations in body temperature, especially during the night, may indicate an immune system response to the presence of leukemic cells or opportunistic infections.
Night sweats:
episodes of intense sweating during the night.
Unexplained weight loss:
an unintentional decrease in body weight, despite maintaining eating habits, may be a sign that cancer cells are using the body’s energy.
Frequent or severe infections:
myeloid leukemia affects the production of mature, functional white blood cells, compromising the body’s ability to fight infections. This can manifest as recurring, slow-healing, or unusually severe infections.
Easy bleeding or bruising:
a reduced number of platelets (thrombocytopenia) makes it difficult for the blood to clot normally, resulting in easy bleeding (for example, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or heavy menstrual bleeding) or bruising for no apparent reason.
Anemia:
a decrease in red blood cells, which can cause paleness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Swelling of the lymph nodes, liver, or spleen.
Blood clotting problems:
increased risk of thrombosis or bleeding.
It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms can also be caused by other diseases, so it is essential to consult a doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Classification of myeloid leukemia
Myeloid leukemia is classified into different types according to the rate of progression and the type of myeloid cells affected. This classification is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment approach. The main types of myeloid leukemia are:
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): it is a type of fast-growing leukemia characterized by the production many immature myeloid cells. AML is subdivided into several subtypes according to the characteristics of the leukemic cells and the genetic abnormalities present.
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): it is a type of slowly progressing leukemia in which the bone marrow produces too many white blood cells. CML is characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome, a chromosomal abnormality that results from the fusion of the BCR and ABL1 genes.
Causes of myeloid leukemia
Although the exact cause of myeloid leukemia is not known, several factors have been identified that can increase the risk of developing this disease. Myeloid leukemia occurs as a result of a number of genetic mutations that affect the stem cells in the bone marrow. These mutations are acquired during a person’s lifetime as a result of exposure to the multiple toxins we receive throughout life.
While myeloid leukemia cannot always be prevented, knowing the risk factors associated with this disease can help take steps to reduce the chances of developing it. These factors can be genetic, environmental, or related to lifestyle. Some of the risk factors associated with myeloid leukemia include:
Old age: the risk of acute myeloid leukemia increases with age.
Smoking: smoking increases the risk of acute myeloid leukemia.
Exposure to certain chemicals: exposure to chemicals such as benzene has been linked to an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia.
Prior treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy: people who have received certain types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy have a higher risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia.
Blood disorders: certain blood conditions, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, can increase the risk of acute myeloid leukemia.
Down syndrome: people with Down syndrome have a higher risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia.
Family history of leukemia: having a close relative with leukemia may increase the risk, although leukemia is not hereditary.
Acquired genetic mutations: mutations in genes such as FLT3, NPM1, IDH1, IDH2, and TP53 have been linked to an increased risk of myeloid leukemia.
Complications of myeloid leukemia
Myeloid leukemia can cause various complications that affect patients’ health and quality of life. Recognizing these complications and seeking timely medical care is essential to minimize their impact. Some of these complications include:
Infections: myeloid leukemia can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections.
Hemorrhages: myeloid leukemia can affect the blood’s ability to clot, which increases the risk of internal or external bleeding.
Neutropenia: a shortage of white blood cells can increase the risk of infections.
Thrombocytopenia: a lack of platelets can cause easy bleeding and bruising.
Tumor lysis syndrome: this condition can occur when a large number of cancer cells die rapidly after treatment, releasing harmful chemicals into the bloodstream.
Neurological problems: in some cases, myeloid leukemia can affect the nervous system, causing headaches, seizures, or changes in mental status.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms that concern you. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve prognosis.
Diagnosis of myeloid leukemia
The diagnosis of myeloid leukemia generally involves a series of tests and procedures designed to identify the presence of leukemic cells and assess the extent of the disease. An accurate diagnosis is essential to guide the treatment plan. Some of the common diagnostic methods and procedures include:
Physical examination: the doctor will look for physical signs of leukemia, such as pallor, bleeding, or swelling of the lymph nodes, liver, or spleen.
Blood tests: blood samples are analyzed to assess the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, as well as to identify the presence of abnormal myeloid cells. Special tests, such as flow cytometry, can be performed to identify specific markers in leukemic cells.
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: a bone marrow sample is taken and examined under a microscope to determine whether leukemia cells are present. Cytogenetic and molecular tests can be performed on the bone marrow sample to identify chromosomal abnormalities and genetic mutations.
Cytogenetics: bone marrow cells are analyzed to identify chromosomal abnormalities, such as the Philadelphia chromosome in CML.
Imaging tests: X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can be used to assess whether leukemia has spread to other organs. These tests can help detect the presence of masses or tumors in the body.
Lumbar puncture: a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken to determine whether the leukemia has spread to the brain and spinal cord.
HM Hospitales has a hyper-early cancer diagnosis unit for early detection and more effective treatment.
Treatments for Myeloid Leukemia
The treatment for myeloid leukemia depends on the type of leukemia (acute or chronic), the patient’s age, their overall health status, and other factors. The goal of the treatment is to destroy the leukemic cells and allow the bone marrow to produce healthy blood cells. Treatment options differ between acute and chronic myeloid leukemia:
Treatment of CML: tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used, which are oral drugs used continuously for several years until complete remission of the disease is achieved. Patients with CML usually live as long as the general population and only rarely require other types of treatment (chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation).
Treatment of AML:
Chemotherapy: it is the main treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. Medications are used to destroy cancer cells in the bone marrow and blood. Chemotherapy can be administered orally or intravenously, or in combination with targeted therapy.
Targeted therapy: it uses medications that specifically target cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. There are several targeted therapy drugs available to treat acute myeloid leukemia with certain genetic mutations.
Radiotherapy: it uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used to prepare the patient for a stem cell transplant or to treat leukemic cells in specific areas of the body.
Stem cell transplantation: a stem cell transplant (also known as a bone marrow transplant) involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. Stem cells can come from the patient themselves (autologous transplant) or from a donor (allogeneic transplant). HM Hospitales has a hematopoietic stem cell transplant unit.
Non-pharmacological treatments: in some cases, lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, may be recommended to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including hematologists, oncologists, radiation therapists, and other specialists, works together to provide the best possible care for the patient.
Remember that this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you suspect you have myeloid leukemia, consult a specialist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Our doctors
Contact and make an appointment with the professionals in this area
