Leukaemias and lymphomas are cancers of white blood cells. Treatment with medicines and bone marrow transplantation have greatly improved the survival and quality of life for people with these conditions. Further advances - including the use of antibodies to target therapy - offer the hope of continued improvements in treatment.
Disease: Leukaemias and lymphomas
Last update: June 2008
Intro
FAQ
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What are they?
Leukaemias and lymphomas are cancers of certain white blood cells. Chronic leukaemias may progress slowly over years. Acute leukaemias can lead to death within months or even weeks. -
Who gets them?
Each year in Europe about 42,000 people are diagnosed with leukaemias (5,000 cases in children) and 59,000 with lymphomas (4,000 cases in children). -
What can be done about them?
Life expectancy following treatment of leukaemias and lymphomas is, in many cases, greatly increased. Many approaches are used: conventional anti-cancer drugs (supported by therapy with naturally-occurring proteins), bone marrow transplantation surgery, and radiotherapy. -
What does the future hold?
An exciting new medicine, which inhibits a particular enzyme, has just become available for a specific type of leukaemia. Results suggest that the therapy is a considerable step forward. Also, longer-acting interferon preparations are being developed.
A new kind of therapy for another form of leukaemia is being developed. It consists of an antibody which is linked to an antibiotic that kills cells. The antibody part sticks only to leukaemia cells, delivering the antibiotic accurately to its target. This technique is also being used in the treatment of certain lymphomas. This time the antibody delivers radioactive iodine to the malignant cell.
Recent advances in medicines, protein therapies and bone marrow transplantation have combined to improve greatly the survival prospects of patients, especially children.