Is blood cancer the same as leukemia?
Jun 07, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Leukemia, commonly known as blood cancer, is a malignant clonal disorder originating from hematopoietic stem cells. Its etiology includes viral, chemical, radiation, immunological, and genetic factors. Depending on the specific type of blood disorder, it may also progress to lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or other leukemias. Common symptoms of leukemia include fever, infections, bleeding, and anemia.
Patients with leukemia should avoid radiation exposure and contact with carcinogens such as formaldehyde in daily life. Then, is “blood cancer” the same as leukemia?
Are “blood cancer” and leukemia the same?
Leukemia is indeed “blood cancer.” It is a malignant clonal disorder of hematopoietic stem cells, caused by various factors including viral, chemical, radiological, immunological, and genetic influences. Depending on the specific type of blood disorder, related malignancies such as lymphoma or multiple myeloma may also develop. Common symptoms of leukemia include fever, infections, bleeding, anemia, bone and joint pain, and enlargement of the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.
Treatment for leukemia includes rational comprehensive therapy, pharmacotherapy, gene therapy, and bone marrow transplantation, among others. Due to the complexity of leukemia classification and prognostic stratification, no single standardized treatment approach exists; instead, individualized treatment plans must be developed based on precise disease classification and risk assessment. Currently, the main therapeutic modalities include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. Among these, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently the most effective treatment for leukemia.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation involves administering high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the patient first, thereby eliminating tumor cells and abnormal clonal cells within the body. Subsequently, autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells are infused to reconstitute normal hematopoiesis and immune function. HSCT is currently a pivotal curative modality for intermediate- and high-risk leukemias, offering high success rates and low relapse probabilities. We hope this article has been helpful to you. Wishing you a joyful life and good health!
