Chronic leukaemia

Abstract

Chronic leukaemia manifests itself into two different types being Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) and Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia (AML) depending on the type of leukocyte being affected. CLL is the most common type of leukaemia in adults in contrast to CML which is the rarest type of leukaemia. This study shows the epidemiology and the etiology, such as chromosomal aberrations and gene mutations which include upregulation of Bc12, mutation of p53, 13q deletion, 11q22-23 deletion, 12q trisomy and 17p deletion for CLL and the fusion of the BCR and ABL genes in CML. It also includes the clinical presentations consisting of both signs and symptoms as well as how these types of leukaemia are diagnosed and their pathophysiology which comprises a detailed description of the alterations in various cellular mechanisms. The treatment involving both chemotherapy and stem cell therapy, amongst others, has also been discussed. © Medwell Journals, 2008.