LEUKEMIA

Presentation by Trishia Josene B. Cosgapa

 WHAT IS LEUKEMIA?
• The term leukemia comes from the Greek words for “white” (leukos) and
“blood” (haima).

Is a cancer of the blood, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal blood

cells. This uncontrolled growth takes place in your bone marrow, where most of
your body’s blood is made. Leukemia cells are usually immature (still developing)
white blood cells.

Many types of leukemia exist. Some forms of leukemia are more common in
children. Other forms of leukemia occur mostly in adults.
 WHAT IS LEUKEMIA?
Leukemia usually involves the white blood
cells. Your white blood cells are potent
infection fighters — they normally grow
and divide in an orderly way, as your body
needs them. But in people with leukemia,
the bone marrow produces an excessive
amount of abnormal white blood cells,
which don't function properly.
 TYPES OF LEUKEMIA
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
is the most common type of leukemia in children, teens and young adults up to age 39. ALL can
affect adults of any age.
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. It’s more common in older adults (those over
65). AML also occurs in children.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
is the most common chronic leukemia in adults (most common in people over 65). Symptoms may
not appear for several years with CLL.
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
is more common in older adults (most common in people over 65) but can affect adults of any age.
It rarely occurs in children. Symptoms may not appear for several years with CML.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS
Genetic predisposition
Exposure to radiation
Chemical exposure
Viral infections
Immune system deficiencies
Previous cancer treatment
Smoking
Age
Gender
Certain medical conditions
PRECIPITATING FACTORS
Exposure to ionizing radiation
Exposure to certain chemicals
such as benzene
Viral infections such as HTLV-
1 or EBV
Immune system deficiencies
Genetic mutations
Certain medical conditions like
(Down syndrome or Li-
Fraumeni syndrome)
 SIGNS & SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSTIC TEST
Fatigue and tiring easily.
Physical exam
Fever
Frequent infections. Complete blood count
Shortness of breath. Blood cell examination
Pale skin. Bone marrow biopsy
Unexplained weight loss
Bone/Joint pain or tenderness.
Pain or full feeling under your ribs on the left side.
Bruising and bleeding easily, including nosebleeds,
bleeding gums, a rash that looks like tiny red spots
in skin or purplish/darkened skin patches.
 MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Medical interventions for leukemia vary depending on the type of leukemia, its
stage, and the individual's overall health.
Chemotherapy is the main treatment
for many types of leukemia.
Radiation therapy is most often
used to target areas of the body
where leukemia cells have built up.
It is also used to prepare the bone
marrow for a stem cell transplant.
Supportive therapy is given to manage
problems (complications) from some types
of leukemia and their treatments.
Surgery may be used in rare cases to
remove the spleen
A stem cell transplant is used for some
people with certain types of leukemia.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT

Surgical interventions for leukemia are

not as common as other treatment
modalities like chemotherapy or stem
cell transplantation.
Biopsy
Port Placement
Splenectomy
Lymph node removal
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
 NURSING INTERVENTION

1. Closely monitor the temperature. Note the correlation between temperature elevations and chemotherapy
treatments. Observe for fever associated with tachycardia, hypotension, and subtle mental changes.
2. Inspect the skin for tender, erythematous areas; open wounds. Cleanse skin with antibacterial solutions.
3. Monitor laboratory studies.
4. Inspect oral mucous membranes. Provide good oral hygiene. Use a soft toothbrush, sponge, or swabs for
frequent mouth care.
5. Encourage frequent turning and deep breathing.
6. Require good hand washing protocol for all personnel and visitors.
7. Provide thorough skin care by keeping the patient’s skin and perianal area clean, and apply mild lotion or
creams to keep the skin from drying or cracking. Thoroughly clean skin before all invasive skin procedures.
8. Encourage increased intake of foods high in protein and fluids with adequate fiber.
9. Prepare for and assist with leukemia-specific treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and/or bone marrow
transplant.
Drugs Approved for Acute Drugs Approved for Acute Myeloid
Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Leukemia (AML)
Cyclophosphamide Arsenic Trioxide
Dexamethasone Azacitidine
Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Idarubicin Hydrochloride
Methotrexate Sodium Mitoxantrone Hydrochloride
Rituxan (Rituximab) Prednisone
Rituximab
THANK YOU