Chronic myeloid leukemia treatment. Chronic myeloid leukemia: treatment and prognosis. How is a complete examination for suspected chronic myeloid leukemia performed?

Myeloid leukemia is a malignant degeneration of stem cells in the bone marrow, which is responsible for the production of blood cells - red and white blood cells and platelets. With myeloid leukemia (leukemia,) the bone marrow produces blast, immature cells, which, gradually, displace normal shaped elements from the bloodstream.

The disease is predominantly chronic and affects mainly adults. A blood test for myeloid leukemia is required to make a diagnosis. Since significant changes occur at different stages of the disease, it is required to conduct analyzes several times. If myeloid leukemia is suspected, doctors recommend regular examinations.

The reasons

Myeloid leukemia is the result of a mutation in the bone marrow. The abnormal cell loses its ability to function normally and begins to spontaneously divide. Cancer cells, multiplying, gradually crowd out healthy ones. As a result, anemia occurs and the body loses its defense against infections. Leukemia cells penetrate the lymph nodes, cooperate in tumors and provoke pathological processes.

The cause of multiple myeloma can be radioactive radiation or exposure to carcinogens, among which are drugs, paint thinners, rodent and insect control agents.

Hereditary factors in leukemia, as in other diseases, take place. In families where relatives fall ill with multiple myeloma, the probability of diseases among descendants is high. It is not the disease itself that is transmitted to children, but the predisposition to it.

There is a hypothesis about the infectious etiology of the disease. In this case, the race and place of residence of a person matters.

Diagnostics

A preliminary diagnosis of myelogenous leukemia is made on the basis of the results, a standard diagnostic procedure for any disease. The doctor should be alerted by an increase in the number of leukocytes.

For multiple myeloma, first of all, it should take into account the number of leukocytes and their ratio with the calculation of the leukocyte formula. When calculating the leukocyte formula, there is a shift to the left, the appearance of promyelocytes. The percentage of basophils and eosinophils is growing,. The number of platelets is normal, or slightly increased. Mild anemia symptoms are observed.

If myeloid leukemia progresses, change. Therefore, it is necessary to repeat the blood test for myeloid leukemia after a while. The results of the studies reveal severe anemia, the formed elements change size and deform (anisocytosis and poikilocytosis); the number of leukocytes increases many times in comparison with previous results. The number of blast cells reaches 15%. and erzinophils exceeds the norm. The action of alkaline phosphatase in neutrophils is blocked.

Symptoms associated with myeloid leukemia are liver problems, confirmed by an increase in the activity of serum enzymes - alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase.

Symptoms

The symptoms of myeloid leukemia are:

  • Pain in the bones. The femurs, spine, pelvis, ribs hurt;
  • Pathological fractures;
  • Hypercalcemia. Manifested by vomiting, nausea, constipation, polyuria. There may be brain disorders, the person falls into lethargy or coma;
  • Kidney diseases. Nephropathy manifests itself in the form of an increase in the content of calcium and uric acid in the blood, the appearance of protein in the urine;
  • Anemia is normochromic. normally, ESR rises sharply;
  • Osteoporosis;
  • Compression of the spinal cord by tumors of the spine. It manifests itself in the form of back pain, aggravated by coughing, sneezing. The work of the bladder and intestines is disturbed .;
  • Vulnerability to bacterial infections. Associated with a weakened immune system;
  • Hemorrhages. , uterus, gums, subcutaneous hemorrhages.

Preparation for analysis

The rules for donating blood for a general analysis do not provide for specific rules for preparation. How to take a blood test for chronic myeloid leukemia is known. , in the morning, to avoid "interference" that distorts the results. On the day before blood donation, heavy physical exertion is not recommended. It is highly undesirable, within three days before the procedure, the use of fatty and fried foods. If these conditions are met, then a diagnostic blood test for myeloid leukemia will be extremely informative.

Make or finger. Venous blood is more concentrated than capillary blood, which is why some physicians require just such sampling for analysis.

Deciphering the results of myeloid leukemia takes two days from the moment the results are accepted for processing. If the laboratory is overloaded with work, then the result can be obtained later.

Provide for the taking of bone marrow samples for cytogenetic analysis from the femur. Samples are taken by biopsy or aspiration. Studying chromosomes. Affected cells contain an abnormal chromosome 22. In order to detect an abnormal chromosome, a polymerase chain reaction is used.

Treatment

The quality of the analysis is the key to successful therapy. The choice of treatment method and the intensity of the recommended procedures depend on the phase of the disease. In some patients with multiple myeloma, an increasing progression of the process is observed over many years, and does not require antitumor treatment.

In patients with metastases, local radiation therapy is used. With the slow development of myeloid leukemia, expectant tactics are used.


If the pain increases, which indicates the growth of the tumor, cytostatics are prescribed. The terms of treatment, subject to the presence of positive results, last up to two years.

Provide treatment to prevent complications. To stop hypercalcemia, corticosteroids are used against the background of heavy drinking. Medicines are used to treat kidney disease and osteoporosis.

Forecast

Myeloma in the indolent phase is not an indication for immediate treatment. The need to start therapy is the appearance of a paraprotein in the blood, or a decrease in viscosity, the presence of bleeding, bone pain, fractures, hypercalcemia, kidney damage, spinal cord compression, infectious complications.

Compression of the spinal cord requires surgical treatment, as well as local radiation. Bone fractures require orthopedic fixation.

In some cases, if radiation therapy is not indicated, cytotoxic treatment is used. In this case, it must be borne in mind that secondary myeloid leukemia can become a side effect.

If left untreated, multiple myeloma patients live up to two years. A complete cure for myeloma is the future.

Modern methods of treatment are able to slow down the destructive effect of the disease on the body and fight its specific symptoms.

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a cancer of the blood, which is characterized by a decrease in the level of leukocytes and the appearance of a large number of immature cells - granulocytes.

According to statistics, the incidence of myeloid leukemia is the same in women and men, most often occurs at the age of 30-40 years.

Causes of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Among the main factors provoking cancer of the blood, we can distinguish:

  • Hereditary predisposition - cases of blood cancer are recorded in relatives
  • Genetic predisposition - the presence of congenital chromosomal mutations, such as Down syndrome, increases the likelihood of developing the disease
  • Exposure to radiation
  • The use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in the treatment of other cancers can provoke myeloid leukemia

Stages of chronic myeloid leukemia

The development of chronic myeloid leukemia occurs in three successive stages:

chronic stage

The longest stage, which usually lasts 3-4 years. Most often, it is asymptomatic or with a blurred clinical picture, which does not cause suspicion of the tumor nature of the disease, either in doctors or in patients. Chronic myelogenous leukemia is detected, as a rule, with a random blood test.

Accelerative stage

At this stage, the disease is activated, the level of pathological blood cells increases at a rapid pace. The duration of acceleration is about a year.

At this stage, with proper therapy, there is a chance to return leukemia to the chronic stage.

terminal stage

The most acute stage - lasts no more than 6 months and ends lethally. At this stage, blood cells are almost completely replaced by pathological granulocytes.

Symptoms of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

The manifestations of the disease directly depend on the stage.

Symptoms of the chronic stage:

In most cases, it is asymptomatic. Some patients complain of weakness, increased fatigue, but, as a rule, do not attach any importance to this. At this stage, the disease is detected during the next blood test.

In some cases, there may be weight loss, loss of appetite, increased sweating, especially during a night's sleep.

With an enlarged spleen, pain may occur in the left side of the abdomen, especially after eating.

In rare cases, a bleeding tendency develops due to a decrease in platelet levels. Or, on the contrary, when they increase, blood clots form, which is fraught with myocardial infarction, stroke, visual and respiratory disorders, and headaches.

Symptoms of the accelerating stage:

As a rule, it is at this stage that the first manifestations of the disease are felt. Patients complain of poor health, severe weakness, excessive sweating and pain in the joints and bones. Worried about the increase in body temperature, increased bleeding and an increase in the abdomen due to the growth of tumor tissue in the spleen.

Diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia is diagnosed by an oncologist-hematologist.

Blood tests

The main method of diagnosis. According to it, you can not only make a diagnosis, but also determine the stage of the pathological process.

At the chronic stage, in the general blood test, there is an increase in platelets and the appearance of granulocytes against the background of a decrease in the total number of leukocytes.

At the accelerating stage, granulocytes already account for 10-19% of leukocytes, the platelet count can be either increased or, on the contrary, reduced.

In the terminal stage, the number of granulocytes steadily increases, and the level of platelets falls.

A biochemical blood test is performed to analyze the functioning of the liver and spleen, which, as a rule, suffer from myeloid leukemia.

Bone marrow biopsy

For this study, bone marrow is taken with a thin needle, after which the material is sent to the laboratory for detailed analysis.

Most often, bone marrow is taken from the head of the femur, however, the calcaneus, sternum, wings of the pelvic bones can be used.

In the bone marrow, a picture similar to a blood test is observed - the number of immature leukocytes increases.

Hybridization and PCR

A study such as hybridization is necessary in order to identify an abnormal chromosome, and PCR is an abnormal gene.

Cytochemical study

The essence of the study is that when special dyes are added to blood samples, certain reactions are observed. According to them, the doctor can not only determine the presence of a pathological process, but also conduct a differential diagnosis between chronic myeloid leukemia and other variants of blood cancer.

In a cytochemical study in chronic myeloid leukemia, a decrease in alkaline phosphatase is observed.

Cytogenetic studies

This study is based on the study of the patient's genes and chromosomes. For this, blood is taken from a vein, which is sent for a special analysis. The result, as a rule, is ready only after a month.

In chronic myeloid leukemia, the so-called Philadelphia chromosome is found - the culprit in the development of the disease.

Instrumental research methods

Ultrasound, computed and magnetic resonance imaging are necessary for the diagnosis of metastases, the state of the brain and internal organs.

Treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia

Bone marrow transplantation offers a real chance of recovery for patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

This treatment option consists of several successive stages.

Finding a bone marrow donor. The most suitable donor for transplantation are close relatives. If a suitable candidate is not found among them, it is necessary to look for such a person in special donor banks.

Once it is found, various compatibility tests are carried out to make sure that the donor material will not be aggressively perceived by the patient's body.

Preparing the patient for surgery lasts 1-1.5 weeks. At this time, the patient undergoes chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Bone marrow transplantation.

During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the patient's vein, through which stem cells enter the bloodstream. They settle in the bone marrow and after a while begin to work there. To prevent the main complication - rejection - drugs are prescribed to suppress the immune system and prevent inflammation.

Decreased immunity. From the moment of introduction of stem cells to the start of their work in the patient's body, as a rule, it takes about a month. At this time, under the influence of special preparations, the patient's immunity is reduced, this is necessary to prevent rejection. However, on the other hand, it creates a high risk of infection. The patient must spend this period in a hospital, in a special ward - he is protected from contact with a possible infection. Antifungal and antibacterial agents are prescribed, body temperature is constantly monitored.

Engraftment of cells. The patient's well-being gradually begins to improve and return to normal.

Recovery of bone marrow function takes several months. Throughout this period, the patient is under the supervision of a doctor.

Chemotherapy

In chronic myeloid leukemia, several groups of drugs are used:

Hydroxyurea preparations inhibiting DNA synthesis in tumor cells. Side effects may include digestive disorders and allergies.

Of the modern drugs, protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors are often prescribed. These drugs inhibit the growth of pathological cells, stimulate their death, and can be used at any stage of the disease. Side effects may include cramps, muscle pain, diarrhea, and nausea.

Interferon is prescribed after the normalization of the number of leukocytes in the blood to suppress the formation and growth and restore the patient's own immunity.

Possible side effects include depression, mood swings, weight loss, autoimmune pathologies and neuroses.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia is carried out in the absence of the effect of chemotherapy or in preparation for bone marrow transplantation.

Gamma irradiation of the spleen helps to slow down the growth of the tumor.

Splenectomy

In rare cases, removal of the spleen or, in medical terms, a splenectomy may be prescribed. Indications for this are a sharp decrease in platelets or severe pain in the abdomen, a significant increase in the body or the threat of its rupture.

Leukocytophoresis

A significant increase in leukocytes can lead to serious complications, such as microthrombosis and retinal edema. In order to prevent them, the doctor may prescribe leukocytophoresis.

This procedure is similar to the usual blood purification, only in this case, tumor cells are removed from it. This improves the patient's condition and prevents complications. Leukocytophoresis can also be used in combination with chemotherapy to improve the effect of the treatment.

There are many diagnoses, the name of which says little to ordinary citizens. One such disease is chronic myelogenous leukemia. Reviews of patients with this disease, however, are able to attract attention, since this disease can not only cause significant damage to health, but also lead to a fatal outcome.

The essence of the disease

If you have to hear such a diagnosis as "chronic myeloid leukemia", then it is important to understand that we are talking about a serious tumor disease of the hematopoietic system, in which the hematopoietic stem cells of the bone marrow are affected. It can be attributed to the group of leukemias, which are characterized by large formations of granulocytes in the blood.

At the very beginning of its development, myeloid leukemia manifests itself through an increase in the number of leukocytes, reaching almost 20,000 / μl. At the same time, in the progressive phase, this figure changes to 400,000 / μl. It is worth noting the fact that both in the hemogram and in the myelogram, the predominance of cells with different degrees of maturity is recorded. These are promyelocytes, metamyelocytes, stab and myelocytes. In the case of myeloid leukemia, changes in the 21st and 22nd chromosomes are detected.

This disease in most cases leads to a noticeable increase in the content of basophils and eosinophils in the blood. This fact is evidence that one has to deal with a severe form of the disease. In patients who suffer from such an oncological disease, splenomegaly develops, and a large number of myeloblasts are recorded in the bone marrow and blood.

How does the onset of the disease occur?

Chronic myeloid leukemia pathogenesis is quite interesting. Initially, a somatic mutation of a pluripotent hematopoietic blood stem cell can be identified as a triggering factor in the development of this disease. The main role in the mutation process is played by the cross-translocation of chromosomal material between the 22nd and 9th chromosomes. In this case, the formation of the Ph-chromosome occurs.

There are cases (no more than 5%) when the Ph chromosome cannot be detected during a standard cytogenetic study. Although a molecular genetic study reveals an oncogene.

Chronic myeloid leukemia can also develop due to exposure to various chemicals and radiation. Most often this disease is diagnosed in adulthood, it is extremely rare in adolescents and children. With regard to gender, this type of tumor is recorded with the same frequency in both men and women aged 40 to 70 years.

Despite all the experience of doctors, the etiology of the development of myeloid leukemia is still not completely clear. Experts suggest that acute and chronic myeloid leukemia develops due to a violation of the chromosomal apparatus, which, in turn, is caused by the influence of mutagens or hereditary factors.

Speaking about the impact of chemical mutagens, it is worth paying attention to the fact that enough cases have been recorded when people who were exposed to benzene or used cytostatic drugs (Mustargen, Imuran, Sarcozoline, Leukeran, etc.) developed myeloid leukemia.

Chronic myeloid leukemia: stages

With such a diagnosis as "myeloid leukemia", there are three stages in the development of this disease:

Initial. It is characterized by an increase in the spleen and a stable injection of leukocytes in the blood. The patient's condition is considered in dynamics, without applying radical treatment measures. The disease, as a rule, is diagnosed already at the stage of total generalization of the tumor in the bone marrow. At the same time, in the spleen, and in some cases in the liver, there is an extensive proliferation of tumor cells, which is characteristic of the advanced stage.

Expanded. Clinical signs at this stage begin to dominate, and the patient is prescribed treatment using specific drugs. At this stage, the myeloid tissue in the bone marrow, liver, and spleen expands, and the fat in the flat bones is virtually completely replaced. There is also a sharp predominance of the granulocytic lineage and three-line proliferation. It should be noted that in the advanced stage, the lymph nodes are extremely rarely affected by the leukemic process. In some cases, myelofibrosis may develop in the bone marrow. There is a possibility of developing pneumosclerosis. As for the infiltration of the liver by tumor cells, in most cases it is quite pronounced.

Terminal. At this stage of the development of the disease, thrombocytopenia and anemia progress. Manifestations of various complications (infections, bleeding, etc.) become apparent. It is not uncommon for a second tumor to develop from immature stem cells.

What life expectancy should you expect?

If we talk about people who had to deal with chronic myeloid leukemia, it is worth noting that modern treatment methods have significantly increased the chances of such patients for a relatively long life. Due to the fact that discoveries were made in the field of pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of the disease, which made it possible to develop drugs that can act on the mutated gene, with such a diagnosis as chronic myeloid leukemia, the life expectancy of patients can be 30-40 years from the moment the disease is detected. But this is possible provided that the tumor was benign (slow enlargement of the lymph nodes).

In the case of the development of a progressive or classic form, the average is from 6 to 8 years from the moment the disease was diagnosed. But in each individual case, the number of years that the patient can enjoy is tangibly influenced by the measures that were taken in the course of treatment, as well as the form of the disease.

On average, according to statistics, up to 10% of patients die during the first two years after the detection of the disease, and 20% in subsequent years. Many patients with myeloid leukemia die within 4 years after the diagnosis was made.

Clinical picture

The development of a disease such as chronic myeloid leukemia is gradual. At first, the patient feels a deterioration in his general state of health, fatigue, weakness, and in some cases moderate pain in the left hypochondrium. After the study, an increase in the spleen is often recorded, and a significant neutrophilic leukocytosis is detected in a blood test, characterized by a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left due to the action of myelocytes with an increased content of basophils, eosinophils and platelets. When the time comes for a detailed picture of the disease, patients experience disability due to sleep disturbance, sweating, a steady increase in general weakness, a significant increase in temperature, pain in the spleen and bones. There is also a loss of weight and appetite. At this stage of the disease, the spleen and liver are greatly enlarged.

At the same time, chronic myeloid leukemia, the symptoms of which differ depending on the stage of development of the disease, already in the initial stage leads to the predominance of eosinophils, granular leukocytes and basophils in the bone marrow. Such growth occurs due to a decrease in other leukocytes, normoblasts and erythrocytes. If the process of the course of the disease begins to worsen, then the number of immature myeloblasts and granulocytes increases significantly, and hemocytoblasts begin to appear.

The blast crisis in chronic myeloid leukemia leads to total power metaplasia. In this case, there is a high fever, during which there are no signs of infection. Hemorrhagic syndrome develops (intestinal, uterine, mucous bleeding, etc.), leukemids in the skin, ossalgia, lymph nodes increase, complete resistance to cytostatic therapy and infectious complications are recorded.

If it was not possible to significantly affect the course of the disease (or such attempts were not made at all), then the condition of the patients will progressively worsen, and thrombocytopenia will appear (the phenomena of hemorrhagic diathesis make themselves felt) and severe anemia. Due to the fact that the size of the liver and spleen are growing rapidly, the volume of the abdomen increases markedly, the state of the diaphragm becomes high, the abdominal organs are compressed, and, as a result of these factors, the respiratory excursion of the lungs begins to decrease. Moreover, the position of the heart changes.

When chronic myelogenous leukemia develops to this level, against the background of pronounced anemia, dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations and headache appear.

Monocytic crisis in myelogenous leukemia

Regarding the topic of monocytic crisis, it should be noted that this is a rather rare phenomenon, during which young, atypical and mature monocytes appear and grow in the bone marrow and blood. Due to the fact that the bone marrow barriers are broken, fragments of megakaryocyte nuclei appear in the blood at the terminal stage of the disease. One of the most important elements of the terminal stage in a monocytic crisis is the inhibition of normal hematopoiesis (regardless of the morphological picture). The disease process is aggravated due to the development of thrombocytopenia, anemia and granulocytopenia.

Some patients may have a rapid enlargement of the spleen.

Diagnostics

The fact of the progression of such a disease as chronic myeloid leukemia, the prognosis of which can be quite gloomy, is determined by means of a whole range of clinical data and specific changes in the process of hematopoiesis. In this case, histological studies, histograms and myelograms are necessarily taken into account. If the clinical and hematological picture does not look clear enough and there is not enough data to make a confident diagnosis, then doctors focus on the detection of the Ph chromosome in monocytes, megakaryocytes, erythrocytes and granulocytes of the bone marrow.

In some cases, it is necessary to differentiate chronic myeloid leukemia. Diagnosis, which can be defined as differential, is focused on identifying a typical picture of the disease with hyperleukocytosis and splenomegaly. If the variant is atypical, then a histological examination of the punctate of the spleen is performed, as well as a study of the myelogram.

Certain difficulties can be observed when patients are admitted to the hospital in a state of blast crisis, the symptoms of which are very similar to myeloid leukemia. In such a situation, the data of a thoroughly collected anamnesis, cytochemical and cytogenetic studies significantly help. Often, chronic myeloid leukemia has to be differentiated from osteomyelofibrosis, in which one can observe intense myeloid metaplasia in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, as well as significant splenomegaly.

There are situations, and they are not uncommon, when a blood test helps to identify chronic myeloid leukemia in patients who underwent a routine examination (in the absence of complaints and asymptomatic course of the disease).

Diffuse myelosclerosis can be ruled out by X-ray examination of the bones, which reveals multiple areas of sclerosis in flat bones. Another disease that, although rare, still has to be differentiated from myeloid leukemia, is hemorrhagic thrombocythemia. It can be characterized as leukocytosis with a shift to the left and an enlarged spleen.

Laboratory studies in the diagnosis of myeloid leukemia

In order to accurately determine the patient's condition if chronic myeloid leukemia is suspected, a blood test can be carried out in several directions:

Blood chemistry. It is used to detect abnormalities in the functioning of the liver and kidneys, which are the result of the use of certain cytostatic agents or were triggered by the spread of leukemic cells.

- Clinical blood test (complete). It is necessary to measure the level of various cells: platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes. In most patients who have had to deal with a disease such as chronic myeloid leukemia, the analysis reveals a large number of immature white cells. Sometimes there may be a low platelet or red blood cell count. Such results are not the basis for determining leukemia without an additional test, which is aimed at examining the bone marrow.

Examination of bone marrow and blood samples under a microscope by a pathologist. In this case, the shape and size of the cells are studied. Immature cells are identified as blasts or myeloblasts. The number of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow is also counted. The term "cellularity" applies to this process. In those with chronic myeloid leukemia, the bone marrow is usually hypercellular (a large accumulation of hematopoietic cells and a high content of malignant ones).

Treatment

With a disease such as chronic myeloid leukemia, treatment is determined depending on the stage of development of tumor cells. If we are talking about mild clinical and hematological manifestations in the chronic stage of the disease, then nutritious nutrition enriched with vitamins, regular dispensary observation and restorative therapy should be considered as topical therapeutic measures. Interferon can favorably influence the course of the disease.

In the case of the development of leukocytosis, doctors prescribe Mielosan (2-4 mg / day). If you have to deal with a higher leukocytosis, then the dose of Mielosan can rise to 6 and even 8 mg / day. It is worth waiting for the manifestation of a cytopenic effect no earlier than 10 days after the first dose of the drug. A decrease in the size of the spleen and a cytopenic effect occurs on average during the 3-6th week of treatment, if the total dose of the drug was from 200 to 300 mg. Further therapy involves taking 2-4 mg of Mielosan once a week, which at this stage has a supporting effect. If the first signs of exacerbation make themselves known, myelosanotherapy is performed.

It is possible to use a technique such as radiation therapy, but only if splenomegaly is determined as the main clinical symptom. For the treatment of patients whose disease is in a progressive stage, poly- and monochemotherapy is relevant. If significant leukocytosis is recorded, with insufficiently effective exposure to Mielosan, Myelobromol is prescribed (125-250 mg per day). At the same time, strict control of peripheral blood parameters is carried out.

In the case of the development of significant splenomegaly, "Dopan" is prescribed (once 6-10 g / day). Patients take the drug once for 4-10 days. The intervals between doses are determined depending on the degree and rate of decrease in the number of leukocytes, as well as the size of the spleen. As soon as the decrease in leukocytes reaches an acceptable level, the use of Dopan is stopped.

If the patient develops resistance to Dopan, Mielosan, radiation therapy and Myelobromol, Hexaphosphamide is prescribed for treatment. In order to effectively influence the course of the disease in the progressive stage, the TsVAMP and AVAMP programs are used.

If resistance to cytotoxic therapy develops in a disease such as chronic myeloid leukemia, treatment in the progression stage will focus on the use of leukocytophoresis in combination with a specific polychemotherapy regimen. As urgent indications for leukocytophoresis, clinical signs of stasis in the vessels of the brain (feeling of heaviness in the head, hearing loss, headaches) can be determined, which are caused by hyperthrombocytosis and hyperleukocytosis.

In the case of a blast crisis, various chemotherapy programs used for leukemia can be considered relevant. Indications for transfusion of erythrocyte mass, thromboconcentrate and antibiotic therapy are infectious complications, the development of anemia and thrombocytopenic hemorrhage.

Regarding the chronic stage of the disease, it is worth noting that at this stage of the development of myeloid leukemia, bone marrow transplantation is quite effective. This technique is able to ensure the development of clinical and hematological remission in 70% of cases.

An urgent indication for the use of splenectomy in chronic myeloid leukemia is the threat of rupture or the rupture of the spleen itself. Relative indications include severe abdominal discomfort.

Radiation therapy is indicated for those patients who have been diagnosed with life-threatening extramedullary tumor formations.

Chronic myeloid leukemia: reviews

According to patients, such a diagnosis is too serious to be ignored. By studying the testimonies of various patients, the real possibility of defeating the disease becomes apparent. For this, it is necessary to undergo a timely diagnosis and a course of subsequent treatment. Only with the participation of highly qualified specialists is there a chance to defeat chronic myeloid leukemia with minimal health losses.

Myeloid leukemia or myeloid leukemia severe malignant disease, which affects the human bone marrow and is characterized by the destruction of certain blood cells. Over time, they cease to perform their functions, which has an extremely negative impact on the health of internal organs and can lead to death.

myeloid leukemia popularly referred to as leukemia, since the malignant process in this disease affects the stem cells of the bone marrow.

They produce several blood elements at once (leukocytes, platelets, erythrocytes), and with the development of a pathological process in the body, pathologically altered cells begin to grow and multiply.

They interfere with the growth of normal cells, and after the growth of the bone marrow stops, abnormal elements are transferred through the bloodstream to all organs.

Acute and chronic myeloid leukemia

The disease is divided into acute and chronic forms, which differ from each other in the features of the clinical course. Chronic myeloid leukemia progresses rather slowly and is characterized by uncontrolled maturation of mature leukocytes, and in the acute form, which is characterized by a rapid course, immature cells multiply in the body. Unlike other diseases, acute myeloid leukemia never becomes chronic, and the latter, in turn, never worsens.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis of myeloid leukemia, a patient needs to take blood tests and undergo instrumental diagnostic methods.

  1. Complete blood count. In acute or chronic myeloid leukemia, the blood picture in the general analysis will look like this: ESR and the number of leukocytes increase to 40 and 20-500 * 109 / l, respectively, and the level of erythrocytes and hemoglobin decreases, which indicates the development of anemia, and in the blood formula the concentration basophils rises to 1%, eosinophils - up to 5%, and there is also a shift to the left.
  2. Blood chemistry. In the biochemical blood test for myeloid leukemia, the focus is on liver tests (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, which allow you to evaluate the work of the kidneys and liver, as well as albumin and glucose indicators involved in metabolic processes. Liver tests, bilirubin in patients usually increase (especially in the later stages of the disease), and the concentration of glucose and albumin decreases.
  3. Biopsy and aspiration of the bone marrow. Methods for taking a bone marrow sample for further study, which allow you to evaluate the shape, number and size of blood elements. With myeloid leukemia, there is an increase in the granulocytic germ, the presence of leukocytes of all stages of development, and not just mature ones, as in healthy people. In the analysis, an increased number of platelet precursor cells (megakaryocytes) is often present, basophils and eosinophils increase, as well as the number of immature cell forms (blasts), which depends on the stage of the disease. They speak of acute leukemia when their number is increased by 20%, and the diagnosis of chronic leukemia is made when the level of leukocytes rises to 17 units and above.
  4. cytogenetic study. The basis of this technique is the study of the gene and chromosome set of the patient. Myeloid chronic myeloid leukemia is characterized by the presence of the so-called Philadelphia chromosome (Ph-chromosome), which is considered the main cause of the malignant process.
  5. Hybridization in situ (FISH). Allows you to detect cells with BCR-ABL translocation in the body, which are responsible for the production of an excess amount of tyrosine kinase (a special protein) - under its influence, the mechanism of uncontrolled cell division starts.
  6. PCR. Like the hybridization method, diagnostics using the polymerase chain reaction is aimed at determining the BCR-ABL1 gene, which causes blood cancers. The analysis requires the patient's bone marrow or venous blood, and if the gene is found even in minimal amounts, the diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia is confirmed.
  7. Instrumental diagnostic methods (CT, ultrasound, MRI) are prescribed to patients in order to assess the condition of the internal organs, brain and bones.

If we talk about the geographical features of the spread of pathology, then most of the patients live in Europe, North America and Oceania, least of all in Asia and Latin America.

Watch a video about chronic myeloid leukemia

The risk group includes older men, as well as people who have previously been exposed to radioactive irradiation.

The reasons

Exact etiology of chronic myelogenous leukemia not clarified, but scientists have found that the following factors influence the development of the disease:

  • burdened family history (the presence of genetic chromosomal mutations - for example, Down syndrome, or cases of blood cancer in the family);
  • exposure to ionizing radiation, harmful chemicals, as well as long-term use of anticancer drugs;
  • diseases of the hematopoietic system, especially oncological;
  • some viral infections.
Besides, negative impact on the state of the hematopoietic system has alcohol abuse and nicotine addiction.

Symptoms and stages

In the initial stages of myeloid leukemia, the symptoms may not be noticeable to the patient, but as the tumor process develops, they become more pronounced, and laboratory parameters change. The classification of chronic myeloid leukemia distinguishes three stages of the clinical course of the disease: chronic, accelerated and terminal.

  1. chronic stage. It is asymptomatic, and the only manifestations of the disease may be mild weakness and weakness, which are perceived by patients as a manifestation of overwork. After some time, the patient begins to lose weight, suffer from lack of appetite and pain in the left side of the abdomen, in the region of the spleen. Visual impairment, shortness of breath, bleeding of unknown etiology may be added to the list of symptoms.
  2. Acceleration stage, or advanced stage of chronic myeloid leukemia. This stage is characterized by an increase in symptoms, severe fever, chills, weight loss and intense pain in the left hypochondrium. The spleen enlarges so much that it can be felt during palpation, the work of the cardiovascular system worsens, which causes attacks of arrhythmia and tachycardia.
After the extended stage, the most dangerous stage of the disease comes - the terminal stage, or blast crisis.

Blast crisis in chronic myelogenous leukemia

Blast crisis in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia occurs immediately after the advanced stage, and its main feature is a significant increase in the number of blasts in the bone marrow (above 30%). Accompanied by severe pain in the bones, body weight continues to decline, and fever and discomfort in the spleen region persist. The patient is prone to all kinds of infectious diseases due to a decrease in immunity, bruises and bruises appear on his body, which indicates a decrease in the number of platelets.

Blast crisis in chronic myeloid leukemia is divided into several types: lymphoblastic (lymphoid) and myeloid, which occur respectively in 65 and 25% of cases. Another 10% falls on the rarest variety - erythroblast crisis.

The development of tumor processes is gaining momentum every year. Most of the world's scientists are studying possible factors in the development of the condition and the main methods of therapy to cure patients, and all types of medical institutions are engaged in preventive measures. Development can affect any organ or system of the body. Myeloid leukemia - what is it? The main causes of this disease, methods of diagnosis and therapy will be considered further.

General concepts

It is based on the maturation of young cells - platelets, erythrocytes and leukocytes. In parallel with this process, the old cells are destroyed by the liver and spleen.

There are as many formed elements in the blood as there are in plasma. At the same time, the largest number falls on white blood cells - leukocytes. They are responsible for the body's response to the effects of foreign agents and compounds and allow you to maintain the immune system at the proper level.

The uncontrolled production of large numbers of white blood cells is called myeloid leukemia. This is a tumor disease, which is accompanied by a critical increase in the bloodstream of immature forms. Over time, pathological forms of cells spread to all organs and systems of the body, which causes the progression of the disease.

Etiology of the disease

At this stage, unequivocal factors leading to the development of the disease have not been identified. There are several versions of the occurrence of a pathological condition:

  1. The appearance of pathological clones is a process of development of pathological changes in the structure of stem cells. A mutation occurs, during which cells not only acquire changes in themselves, but also transfer them to other structures, creating their own clones. This condition cannot be cured with cytotoxic drugs.
  2. Exposure to chemicals.
  3. The action of radioactive radiation on the body, which occurs not only due to professional necessity. For example, the use of a history of radiation therapy to treat another tumor.
  4. The use of cytostatics and chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of tumors of other organs can serve as a trigger for the development of myeloid leukemia.
  5. Genetic diseases, heredity.
  6. Diseases that have a viral origin.

In addition, the appearance of the tumor process is influenced by the gender, age of the patient and exposure to radiation exposure in the area of ​​residence.

Chronic form of the disease

The manifestation of symptoms of the tumor process of the blood depends on the form of the disease. The most common form is chronic myeloid leukemia. This condition is malignant.

Chronic myeloid leukemia - what is it? This is a condition that occurs due to the fact that an abnormal gene appears in the body that affects the blood cells. The location of the gene is the bone marrow. With the blood flow, pathological cells spread to all organs.

The disease does not have an acute onset and a vivid clinical picture. It is characterized by a slow flow. The danger is that this form of the disease can go into an acute phase at any time, which can be fatal for the patient.

Myeloid leukemia has several stages of development:

  • chronic;
  • acceleration stage;
  • terminal stage.

The first stage of the chronic form

Most patients are diagnosed at this stage. The onset of the disease cannot be precisely determined, since it is asymptomatic or mild manifestations. First there is fatigue, heaviness in the stomach or in the left hypochondrium, shortness of breath.

During meals, patients complain of a feeling of fullness in the epigastrium. The spleen is enlarged on palpation. Examination is accompanied by painful sensations from the spleen, radiating to the back. In the blood test, leukocytosis is determined, increasing in dynamics, as well as thrombocytosis and an increase in the number of granulocytes.

Often patients go to the doctor with the development of a spleen infarction. There is a sharp pain syndrome in its projection, symptoms of intoxication of the body, body temperature rises.

Acceleration stage

At this stage, the disease has practically no manifestations. The patient has no complaints, except for the periodic rise in temperature to subfebrile indicators and fatigue. The level of myelocytes and leukocytes in the blood continues to increase.

The level of basophils increases by a third. After this, patients begin to be disturbed by a feeling of heat and a desire to itch. This is due to an increase in histamine production.

Acute stage (terminal)

The development of the third stage describes a clinical picture similar to the acute course of the disease. Chronic myeloid leukemia progresses, and a vivid clinical picture appears. Patients complain of such manifestations:

  • severe weakness;
  • high body temperature;
  • pain in the joints;
  • a sharp decrease in the weight of the patient.

When examining a patient, one can detect an increase in various groups of lymph nodes, a liver, a spleen, the development of a blast crisis - the final stage of the disease, which is characterized by the following clinical manifestations:

  • there are 20% more lympho- or myeloblasts in the bone marrow or bloodstream;
  • bone marrow biopsy reveals large groups of blasts;
  • the development of myeloid sarcoma - a malignant tumor of immature white blood cells.

At this stage of the disease, the life of the patient depends solely on the level of palliative care.

Acute myeloid leukemia

The clinical picture develops rapidly, has clear signs of the disease. Without the appointment of adequate therapy, the result may be unfavorable after a few weeks or months.

Acute myeloid leukemia - what is it? This is a malignant tumor process of the myeloid germ of the blood. Diseased cells are not able to resist infections, although this is their main function. In parallel with the increase in blast structures, there is a decrease in other blood cells.

Erythropenia and lack of hemoglobin are manifested by pallor of the skin, shortness of breath, fatigue. A decrease in the number of platelets leads to an increase in the tendency of the skin to damage, increased bleeding, the appearance of petechiae and hematomas.

The first symptoms are not specific. It is very easy to confuse them with manifestations of a respiratory viral infection. In addition, acute myeloid leukemia is accompanied by the progression of pain in the bones and joints.

Diagnostic measures

The success of the initiation of treatment depends on the speed of diagnosis and the correct diagnosis. To determine the general condition and phase of the disease of a patient who is suspected of having myeloid leukemia, analyzes are carried out in the following directions:

  1. Detailed analysis of peripheral blood - the level of all blood cells is recorded in dynamics.
  2. Blood biochemistry shows abnormalities in the functioning of the liver and spleen, which are caused by the development of the disease.
  3. A biopsy of the bone marrow aspirate is performed after taking the necessary material from the femur. The presence of blast forms is determined.
  4. Hybridization allows you to identify a mutational or abnormal chromosome.
  5. PCR is aimed at identifying the abnormal gene.
  6. aimed at identifying an abnormal chromosome in a leukemic cell.
  7. If necessary, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound are performed.

Principles of disease therapy

Myeloid leukemia requires immediate treatment. The oncologist determines the treatment regimen based on the stage of the disease and its manifestations. At an early stage, a vitamin diet, general strengthening drugs are prescribed.

Treatment of myeloid leukemia is based on the use of drugs that can depress the oncogene. Fixed assets:

  • "Imatinib" - the drug inhibits the activity of a protein that is produced by the myeloid leukemia oncogene;
  • "Dasatinib" - the drug is used in case of ineffectiveness or intolerance by the patient to "Imatinib";
  • Nilotinib is a second-generation oncogenic inhibitor with a similar effect;
  • Ponatinib is one of the new drugs that is strong in its effectiveness against blast cells, but can cause severe complications in the patient's body.

Also, to strengthen the immune system, patients are prescribed Interferon. The drug is not able to cope with the disease on its own, but it is used in complex therapy in the form of daily subcutaneous injections.

Chemotherapy is carried out using cytostatic agents. This part of the therapy is used as an additional treatment for bone marrow transplantation. Hydroxyurea, Busulfan, Vinblastine, Vincristine, Cytarabine are considered effective.

Irradiation in oncology is carried out using high-energy rays, as well as their particles. It is applied individually, depending on the need. In myeloid leukemia, radiation therapy is used to reduce pain in the bones and joints. Also, irradiation in oncology of the hematopoietic system is used before bone marrow transplantation.

Bone marrow transplantation

Surgery is a fairly common method of treatment, but it is also expensive. Not every patient is able to afford it. Oncology Center on Kashirka - one of the famous institutes for the treatment of tumor neoplasms - performs such surgical interventions, helping its patients to recover.

Bone marrow transplantation itself is now less commonly used than those taken from peripheral blood. There are two options for the procedure:

  1. Donor hematopoietic bone marrow cells are used. This may be one of the relatives, since it is quite difficult to find a suitable donor who would not be related to the patient.
  2. Transplantation of own peripheral cells. This procedure is complicated by the fact that along with healthy cells, blast cells can also be removed.

The Cancer Center on Kashirka not only performs surgical interventions that have reduced the mortality of patients, but also uses modern methods of thermal ablation, cryothermoablation and radio wave surgery.

Conclusion

The term "myeloid leukemia" was considered in the article. What it is, you now know. A favorable outcome is possible with a full course of treatment of the initial stages of the disease. The terminal stage involves exclusively palliative therapy. Late and malignant stages of the disease are fatal in patients.

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