Leukaemias

Question 1

Bone marrow features of AML and ALL?

Answer 1

Immature blasts >20%

Question 2

Which leukaemia classically affects children?

Answer 2

ALL
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Children get it ALL

Question 3

Clinical manifestation of acute leukaemia?

Answer 3

Bone marrow failure- anaemia, thrombocytopenia (bleeding), neutropenia (infection)

Question 4

Typical history of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

Answer 4

Child typically 2-5 years old
Hepatosplenomegaly
Bone pain/limp
Fevers
CNS symptoms
Testicular swelling (rare but specific)

Adults-similar to AML, lymphadenopathy

Question 5

Characteristic marker for lymphoblasts?

Answer 5

TDT+!!

Question 6

Chromosomal translocation associated with poor prognosis for ALL?

Answer 6

BCR-ABL1 T(9;22) more commonly seen in adults, PHILADELPHIA + ALL

Question 7

Blood results for ALL?

Answer 7

HIGH WCC (blasts)
Thrombocytopenia
Anaemia

Question 8

What condition is associated with significant risk of developing AML and ALL?

Answer 8

DOWN’S SYNDROME

Significantly increased risk of AML mostly and also ALL

Question 9

Subtype of AML that is prone to DIC?

Answer 9

M3

T(15;17)

Question 10

Characteristic finding on blood film for AML?

Answer 10

AUER RODS

Question 11

Translocation of M3: acute promyelocytic leukaemia?

Answer 11

T(15;17)

Question 12

Treatment for M3: acute promyelocytic leukaemia t(15;17)?

Answer 12

All trans retinoic acid (ATRA)

Forces cells to differentiate, stops proliferation

Question 13

Typical expression on flow cytometry for AML?

Answer 13

MPO=myeloperoxidase

Question 14

Age group affected by AML?

Answer 14

ADULTHOOD (risk increases with age)

And under-2s (infant peak)

Question 15

An ALL that is more common in adults!

Answer 15

T(9;22) philadelphia +, poor prognosis