Interní Med. 2012; 14(10): 366-372

Diagnosis and treatment of acute leukemias

MUDr.Mgr.Cyril Šálek, Ph.D.

Ústav hematologie a krevní transfuze, Praha

Acute leukemias are a group of neoplastic diseases originating in the hematopoietic stem cell. They are characterised by uncontrolled

proliferation of leukemic blasts in bone marrow. Based on the adherence of blasts to myeloid or lymphoid lineages, they are divided

into acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A more detailed classification is based on the evaluation

of the immunophenotype, cytogenetic abnormalities and molecular genetic profile of blasts. Both characteristics have also prognostic

significance. Acute leukemias are treated with chemotherapy. Patients with high risk of relapse are referred to allogeneic stem cell transplantation

after achieving first complete remission. Evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) is a strong prognostic factor mirroring

the individual response to therapy. The concept of individualized and in some subtypes also targeted therapy is currently evaluated

in several clinical trials.

Keywords: acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, minimal residual disease, diagnosis, treatment

Published: November 1, 2012  Show citation