Wk 17: Leukaemia in practice Flashcards
1
Q
What is leukaemia?
A
Cancer of WBC
2
Q
What are the 2 types of blood stem cells?
A
- Lymphoid: WBC
- Myeloid: RBC, platelets
3
Q
What are the types of leukaemia?
A
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (most common)
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia
4
Q
What is acute lymphocytic leukaemia?
A
- Develops when lymphoid progenitor cell becomes genetically altered + undergoes proliferation
- Lymphoid precursor cell replace normal haematopoietic cells of bone marrow + infiltrates various body organs
5
Q
In which age group is leukaemia most prevalent?
A
Children (1-4 yrs old)
6
Q
What are the signs and symptoms of leukaemia?
A
- Fatigue
- Pallor
- Fever/night sweats
- Unexpected weight loss
- Easy bruising
- Frequent UTI + chest infections
- Swollen lymph nodes in neck, armpits + groin
- Discomfort in abdomen
7
Q
What does a definitive diagnosis require?
A
Bone marrow aspiration + biopsy
8
Q
What is the main treatment of ALL?
A
Chemo:
- Induction: remove leukaemia cells
- Intensification: repeat at higher dose
- Maintenance: keeps leukaemia away
9
Q
What is a never event in ALL treatment?
A
Vincristine should never be given intrathecally - only IV
10
Q
What is the targeted therapy for philadelphia c’some positive ALL patients?
A
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor: imatinib
- Daily tab throughout treatment
- S/e: skin changes, blood dyscrasias, di
11
Q
What is the treatment for relapsed ALL?
A
- Induction repeated
- Dasatinib/rituximab
12
Q
What is CAR-T?
A
- Taking patient’s own immune cells + modifying
- For upto 25 yrs + unsuccessful for relapse or refractory
13
Q
Why are corticosteroids used during the treatment of leukaemia?
A
- Helps to destroy leukemia cells
- Red the risk of hypersensitivity reactions
- Anti-emetic
- Boost well being
