Leukaemia Flashcards
What type of stem cell do lymphoid and myleoid progenitor cells differentiate from?
Haematopoiteic
Which type of cells are affeted in ALL?
Lymphoid progenitors
What type of cells are affected in CLL?
Lymphocyets
B&T cells
What type of cells are affected in AML?
Myleoid progenitors
What type of cells are affected in myeloproliferative disorders?
Cells differentiatesd from myeloid progenitors
What type of leukaemia is associated with downs syndrome?
ALL
What type of leukaemia is most common in children?
ALL
What is the difference between acute and chronic leukaemia in terms of:
A. Maturity of cells affected
B. Ablility of cells affected to differentiate
C. Progression
D. Blastic or cytic
A
Acute -> immature (hence progenitor cells)
Chronic -> mature
B
Acute -> can’t differentiate
Chronic -> can differentiate
C
Acute -> rapid
Chronic -> gradual
D
Acute -> blastic
Chronic -> cytic
Myleoid leukaemias result in an increase in WCC (hyperleuckocytosis), which can cause hyperviscoity. What are the clinical features of this?
Retinal haemorrhages
Venous congestion
Altered concioussness
Headaches
What is the main cause of AML?
Acquired (somatic) mutations
Is there a familial risk of AML?
No, as the mutations or somatic
(although Li Fraumeni syndrome can increase your risk)
What syndrome results in inherited p53 gene, which increases you risk of devleoping several cancers?
Li Fraumeni syndrome
At what age are you most at risk of AML?
Old (>60)
Cytogeneitcs and karyotyping are both investigations used for AML which look at chromosomes. What are some chromosomal mutations that can cause AML?
t(8,21)
Inversion 16 (has a good prognosis)
What type of stem cell transplants are used to treat AML and where do these stem cells come from?
Allogenic
The stem cells come from a donor (e.g. sibling)
If a donor of an allogenic stem cell transplant has an allergy, what is the significance of this for the recipient?
They will likely devlop the allergy too
Is AML cureable in older people?
No
What would older patients with AML become dependent on?
Blood transfusions
If AML relapses after chemo, what is the next line treatment?
Allogenic stem cell transplant
What is a common example of chemotherapy used in AML?
Azocytozine
What are some of the clinical features of AML?
Anaemia
Mucosal bleeding
Brusing
Frequent infections
Bone pain
Splenomegaly
Fatigue
Malaise
Anaemia, mucosal bleeeding, bruising and frequent infections are all clinical features of AML. What aspect of AML results in these faetures?
Bone marrow failure
Bone pain and splenomegaly are clinical features of AML. What aspect of AML result in these features?
Hyperleucocytosis
What are some of the causes of AML?
Myelodysplasia
Previous chemotherapy
Exposure to benzene or ionising radiation
Exposure to what can increase your risk of AML?
Benzene
Ionising radiation
(always ask about these in the history)
What are the investigations used for AML?
Bone marrow aspirate
Trephine biopsy
Blood films
Cytogenetics
Immunophenotyping
What are the signs seen on a blood film for AML?
Auer rods
Bi-lobular nuclei
How can you get
What biopsy is used to get a sample of bone marrow which can be used to make blood films?
Trephine
On a bone marrow aspirate, what % of marrow cells will be leukemic blasts?
>20%
What investigation is undergone to determine the type of AML?
Immunophenotyping
What is the 1st line treatment for AML?
Chemotherapy
What are the treatments for AML?
Supportive therapy
Chemotherapy
Allogenic stem cell transplant
Antibiotic and antifungal prophylaxis
What prophylaxis are patients with AML given?
Antibacterial and antifungal
What is involved in supportive treatment for AML?
RBC and platlet transfusion
What is the main curative treatment of AML?
Allogenic stem cell transplant
In young patients with AML, what is always considered 1st line?
Allogenic stem cell transplants
What are some of the clinical features of CML?
Splenomegaly
Anaemia
Mucosal bleeding
Weight loss
Gout
Hyperleucocytosis
What are some complications of chemotherapy?
Neutropenic sepsis
Tumuour lysis syndrome
Mucositis
Infertility
Secondary malignancy