Every year between 4.500 and 5.000 cases of leukemia are diagnosed in Spain

This year, from June 22 to 28, European Leukemia Week is celebrated.

Between 4.500 and 5.000 people are diagnosed each year in Spain with leukemia, a blood cancer caused by an interruption in the differentiation or aberrant differentiation of hematopoietic cells, that is, blood cells with the potential to become red blood cells. , white blood cells or platelets, according to experts from MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid.

Leukemia accounts for less than 5 percent of all malignant tumors and its prognosis varies greatly depending on the subtype of leukemia diagnosed. Thus, although grouped under the same name, the head of the Hematology Service at MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid, Adolfo de la Fuente, explained that there are four subtypes of leukemias that are "very different" from a biological and clinical point of view.

Regarding its incidence, it also varies significantly, with the most common leukemias being acute myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, both with a 32 percent incidence. Next would be chronic myeloid leukemia, with 25 percent, and finally acute lymphocytic leukemia, with 11 percent.

On the occasion of European Leukemia Week, which is commemorated this week, between June 22 and 28, Dr. de la Fuente wanted to highlight the heterogeneity of a not very well-known disease. "The prognosis will vary enormously depending on the subtype of leukemia that the person suffers from and their characteristics: age, the presence of other previous health problems," said this professional. Furthermore, he has also pointed out important differences even within the same subtype of leukemia due to the different genetic mutations that may be present in leukemic cells.

Due to its heterogeneity, early detection and assessment of the disease and constant communication with patients and their families are key. "We are facing a diagnosis that generates a lot of alarm and anxiety, so it is very important to explain this diagnosis and the options for managing the disease and, during the process, maintain a continuous and open line of communication," highlighted this specialist.

A communication that becomes even more important when faced with a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, where it is not always necessary to start treatment immediately. "If the disease is not causing symptoms and does not present warning signs or risk of progression, surveillance can be initiated without treatment. This is not only correct, but it is the best way to help the person, who may be years under surveillance without treatment and without problems due to the disease," he added.

Therefore, as you have detailed, the problem here is not so much the management of the disease as the explanation to the patient and their families why treatment will not be started if there is a confirmed diagnosis of cancer. "It is necessary to explain it very well to prevent the person and his family from feeling uneasy and a little lost," this expert noted.

New therapeutic options for the management of leukemia

In recent years, the field of oncohematology has made great progress both in terms of laboratory research and in the approval and marketing of new therapeutic options by regulatory authorities in the United States and Europe. "These new advances have substantially changed the survival and prognosis of our patients," added the doctor.

These developments also provide professionals with more tools for managing this disease. "In our daily life, we apply the latest advances in the diagnosis and study of leukemias, we put into practice MD Anderson Houston management protocols, we offer the possibility of clinical trials with new molecules, etc.," stated de la Fuente. However, the doctor has recognized that where there is the greatest need for new advances and improvements is in the management of acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia in adults. Especially in these cases of acute leukemia, time is a key factor.

The time of progression is the main difference between acute and chronic leukemia. The patient usually experiences fatigue due to anemia, fever and/or easy bleeding. Furthermore, the diagnosis is usually made from an analysis that is performed due to the symptoms that the patient presents. This type of acute leukemia usually requires urgent medical treatment with chemotherapy and hospital admission to an isolation room.

On the other hand, chronic leukemias are characterized by a slow progression of the disease. Normally, the patient is asymptomatic and the diagnosis is made after a routine blood test. Sometimes, it is not necessary to start treatment immediately and the initial recommendation is close monitoring of the patient.