Leukemia
Overview
Leukemia is a term that includes several different cancers of the blood and the blood-forming tissues of the human body. All of these types of cancer originate from problems in the creation of blood cells. Worldwide, in 2017, 2.6 million people were diagnosed with leukemia, and over 300,000 people lost their lives to this type of cancer. Over 90% of leukemias are diagnosed in adults. The most common forms of leukemia in adults are chronic lymphatic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. Men are more likely to develop leukemia than women. Among adults, the risk factors for developing leukemia include exposure to natural and artificial ionizing radiation, and exposure to dangerous chemicals, such as benzene and alkylating chemotherapy agents.
Diagnosis
Symptoms for leukemia sometimes mimic those of a flu or other common diseases. They include fever, headaches, frequent infections, an enlarged liver or spleen, unusual bleeding, and seizures. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a GMI specialist to determine the best course of action. Following a consultation, your medical team may request some routine blood tests to gain a better understanding of your symptoms.
Leukemia is often diagnosed through a blood test, where you may exhibit a high level of white blood cell, and through a bone marrow examination. Through these tests, your medical team will gain a better understanding of the cellular and molecular features of your specific cancer and determine your leukemia subtype. To assess the potential spread of the cancer, your GMI medical team may recommend you undergo further imaging studies. The GMI offers the most advanced medical imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT).
Treatment
Like other types of cancer, treatment varies greatly depending on the specific leukemia and how the cancer has progressed. Every step in the diagnostic procedure helps the GMI hematology team tailor each treatment plan to each patient, taking into consideration your individual case and personal preferences. To determine the best course of action each patient’s case is discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board where several experts from our team come together to create your comprehensive treatment plan.
Leukemia is treated mainly through different types of multi-drug chemotherapy regimens. Additional treatment options may include a bone marrow transplant, CAR-T cell therapy or radiotherapy.
Why GMI
At the GMI German Oncology Center, a dedicated team of internationally acclaimed hematologists guides each leukemia patient through their entire journey, from their diagnostic work-up to their treatment and post-treatment care.
The GMI team will never offer a simple “one size fits all” approach to any patient. We believe each patient’s case is as individual as they are and strive to find the best solution for each of our patients, taking their specific case and diagnosis, their lifestyle, and choices into account.
We believe each of our patients is more than their diagnosis. That’s why our dedicated paramedics team supports leukemia patients on their journey by offering more than just expert medical care. We offer psychological help, integrative oncology services (including yoga classes, and acupuncture) and have a GMI Patient Advocacy Program.
Adhering to our passion for innovation, and desire to progress the medical field, the GMI German Oncology Center both initiates and participates in several clinical trials in which the most modern and advanced treatment concepts are tested.
