A drug used to treat multiple sclerosis, Mitoxantrone an immunosuppressant has been found to heighten the risks of contracting leukemia as a side effect. The drug has been approved by the FDA and the side-effect is due to new research onto the interaction of the drug and the body’s response to it. High dosage of [...]
According to a study conducted by the researchers working at the University of California, Berkley, School of Public health, exposure to X-rays can increase the likelihood of children developing leukemia. The study said that even with just one X-ray, the chances of getting certain types of leukemia increases. This has now made the overall safety [...]
Adults may develop acute myeloid leukemia as they age. This form of leukemia is not common in children. “Myeloid” means the cells originate from the bone marrow or spinal cord. It is rare on people under the age of 40, adults are usually diagnosed at age 65. Myeloid leukemia is caused mostly by carcinogens, or [...]
Military personnel and people who work with radioactive compounds each and every day accept the fact that leukemia, often a risk of their jobs. New research in the use and administration of biphosphates to counteract the effects of radiation induced leukemia is proving promising to help reduce job related-risks for such people. People who work [...]
People who live in areas where drilling for natural gas is underway should be aware that the current practice of the drilling industry releases dangerous levels of the cancerous chemical benzene into the water table. Benzene is a colorless, sweet smelling and highly toxic. Considered to be the highest cause of leukemia and some forms [...]
Image Source: www.upload.wikimedia.org The term leukemia refers to cancers of the white blood cells, which are also referred to as leukocytes or WBCs. When a child has leukemia, large numbers of abnormal white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. These abnormal white cells crowd the bone marrow and flood the bloodstream, but they [...]
Gene therapy treats genetic diseases of the immune system, and has successfully treated patients. They were infused with immune cells that contained the correct form of the defective gene through agents called retroviral vectors. But later on, some of the patients developed leukemia, which slowed the advancement of gene therapy. Studies have been done to [...]
Until now, the cause of leukemia is not clear. Development seems to be affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Acute leukemia is caused by white blood cells that have a lost or damaged DNA sequence that remain immature. These cells multiply but do not mature and die, so it accumulates and begins to affect [...]