Leukaemia

Question 1

What is the commonest childhood cancer?

Answer 1

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Question 2

If the patient has a leucocytosis, why are patients with ALL still at risk of serious infection?

Answer 2

They may have a severe neutropenia

Question 3

What is involved in a neutropenic regimen?

Answer 3

Prophylactic:

• Antifungals
• Antivirals
• Antibiotics

Question 4

Gum hypertrophy with signs of marrow failure would make you think of what underlying diagnosis?

Answer 4

Acute myeloid leukaemia

Question 5

What would be seen in the blood film of someone with AML?

Answer 5

Auer rods residing within blast cells

Question 6

In a patient with suspected AML, if their coagulation panel was abnormal what condition would be suspected?

Answer 6

DIC

Question 7

What are 2 complications of stem cell transplant?

Answer 7

• Opportunistic infection

- Relapse

Question 8

What is the commonest leukaemia in the western world?

Answer 8

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Question 9

What 2 drugs can be useful prior to stem-cell transplant in the case of relapse?

Answer 9

Rituximab and dexamethasone