Knowing Leukemia

CEBU, Philippines - One of the common cancers in children is leukemia. It is a type of cancer  of the blood  or the bone marrow  characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells  called “blasts “.

Leukemia has two types. The first is acute leukemia, which is distinguished by the rapid increase in the number of blasts. As a result, production of healthy blood cells in the bone marrow is disabled. The other is chronic leukemia, characterized by excessive build up of relatively mature, but still abnormal, white blood cells. This type usually takes months or years to progress.

According to the Metro Cebu Population-based Cancer Registry of the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center  of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.  (RAFI), 186 children, 101 of whom died, were diagnosed with leukemia from 2003-2007. Out of 37 cases of leukemia in children, an average of 20 deaths is recorded every year in Metro Cebu.

 Leukemia may be one of the incurable diseases worldwide but treatments are available to ease patients’ suffering. These include chemotherapy, targeted therapy (molecular therapy), biological therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy leukemia cells. It can be given orally or intravenously. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which usually grow and spread quickly. However, it can harm healthy cells, especially those found in the lining of the mouth and the intestine. Side effects subside or disappear after chemotherapy.

But how do the other kinds of treatment work?

Targeted therapy or molecularly-targeted therapy. This is a type of treatment that blocks the growth of cancer cells by interfering with specific targeted molecules needed for carcinogenesis and tumor growth. Targeted cancer therapies are expected to be more effective than current treatments and less harmful to healthy and normal cells.

Biological therapy. This is best described as a treatment that improves the body’s natural defenses against the disease. One type of biological therapy is a substance called a monoclonal anti-body, which actually carries a toxin that kills leukemia cells. Another kind helps the immune system destroy leukemia cells. This is also given through intravenous inclusion.

Radiation therapy. This type of therapy uses high-energy rays to kill leukemia cells. This type of therapy takes place five days a week for several weeks. Others may receive radiation that is directed to the whole body. Radiation treatments are given once or twice a day for a few days, usually before a stem cell transplant. Typically, people who are having this type of treatment lose their hair.

Stem cell transplant. This type of treatment includes high doses of drugs, radiation, or both. The high doses destroy both leukemia cells and normal blood cells in the bone marrow. After the patient receives high dose chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both, he or she receives healthy stem cells through a large vein. (It’s like getting a blood transfusion.) New blood cells develop from the transplanted stem cells. The new blood cells replace the ones that were destroyed during the treatment. Stem cells may come from the patient or a donor.

Though many would consider leukemia an invincible foe, thinking positive, making each day significant, and most importantly, fighting against it makes a patient a true winner.

For needed support, you may visit your doctor, nurse, or other members of your health care team. These people can answer questions about treatment and other concerns. Patients within Cebu may also contact RAFI’s Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) for counseling and other information about cancer. Just dial 254-6351 or 256-3287 and look for Ronald Delos Reyes or Gina Mariquit.

Sources: http://copingmag.com/cwc/index.php/article/leukemia_treatment_options  (FREEMAN)