Understanding Leukemia

Abstract

“Leukemia” is a commonly recognized yet ambiguous umbrella term that encompasses an array of blood cancers stemming from a large variety of genetic mutations. Because more than six people per hour are diagnosed with leukemia, making it the 10th most common cancer worldwide, leukemia remains a serious health concern internationally. As biomedical research expands, experts work to understand more about the exceedingly complex processes that originate leukemia and develop increasingly effective treatments. However, much remains unknown about the disorder and further development is necessary to erase blindspots in human knowledge in order to produce even stronger treatment options. This paper provides insight into the four most prevalent types of leukemia, including Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia; it analyzes diagnosis and risk factors, examines the specific genetic mutations that engender each disorder, and discusses the merits and drawbacks of current treatment avenues available for patients. It aims to provide a digestible profile of leukemia’s pathophysiology and instigating processes as well as includes up to date analysis of available and developing treatments for patients