Chronic Myeloid leukemia (CML) is a blood and bone marrow disease that slowly progresses. The disease usually occurs in middle aged or older individuals and rarely occurs in children. In CML, an unusually high number of blood stem cells become granulocytes. These granulocytes, also called leukemia cells are irregular in shape and do not develop into healthy white blood cells. Eventually, they concentrate in the blood leaving no room for healthy cells which may lead to infection, anemia, or bleeding. The typical signs of CML include fatigue, fever, night sweats, and weight loss (6).
CML is due to a change in chromosome 22 (the Philadelphia chromosome, named from its place of discovery) of the DNA in immature bone marrow cells. It was discovered that there is a translocation, or movement of a part of DNA of the distal part, or long arms of chromosome 22 onto chromosome 9. The gene that is formed from the translocation is called the BCR-ABL gene from the c-ABL gene on chromosome 9 and the BCR gene on chromosome 22. The BCR-ABL gene results in the production of a mutated protein which c...
Gleevec scientifically known as CGP57148 (imatinib) and formerly known as STI571 is the new member of a class of agents that act by binding using a kinase inhibitor to try to control CML. It acts as a specific kinase inhibitor, which induces complete remission in the population of those with chronic-phase CML. As a result of the treatment there are no immature cells seen in the blood, and the spleen returns to its normal size in a complete hematologic response (CHR). Equally patients using Gleevec see a dramatic reduction of their tumor clone cells, and restores normal regulatory behavior in the leukemic clone. As well as, the occurrence of a marked increase in the proportion of blast cells, this in addition leaves cells undamaged. If no cells with the Philadelphia chromosome are found in the blood or bone marrow, then patients obtain a complete cytogenetic response (CCyR).
Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a hereditary recessive disorder that is characterized by defective DNA cytogenetic instability, hypersensitivity to DNA crosslinking agents, increased chromosomal breakage, and cytogenetic instability. FA is caused by mutations in a complex set of proteins, including a FA core complex which contains eight out of sixteen known FA genes and their associated proteins. The FA proteins work together in a genome maintenance pathway called the FA/BRCA pathway, which plays an important role during the S phase of the cell cycle. The list FA complementation group (FANC) are: FANC-A, -B, -C, -D1/BRCA2, -D2, -E, -F, -G, -L, -I, -J/BRIP1,-M, -N/PALB2, -P/SLX4, -O/RAD51C and XPF. While the members of the FA complementation group do not share sequence similarity, they are related by their assembly into a common nuclear protein complex. Beside these sixteen FA proteins, there are several other proteins associating with the FA core complex, known as the FA Associated Proteins (FAAPs): -100, -24, -20, -16/MHF1, and -10/MHF2. FA plays an important role in the genomic stability through DNA repair of interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). When mutations occur in these genes, however, abnormal cell division, which eventually causes cancer and congenital defects occurs in most patients (Nalepa, et al., 2013; Tomida, et al., 2013).
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a form of cancer in the lymphatic system. This type of lymphoma originates in the white blood cells, and spreads throughout the lymph nodes in the body. The cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is unknown, and it is sometimes found by chance. This disease is typically treated with chemotherapy and radiation and, if found in the early stages, the patient has a good chance of being fully cured.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the worlds largest non-profit organization which funds blood cancer research and providing patient services and education. The LLS mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and myeloma and to improve quality of patients and there families. This is done by discovering new cures and making blood cancers a story of the past.The organizations national office is located in White Plains, NY. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has local chapters through out the United States and Canada.
Hemoglobin SS happens because of a mutation in chromosome 11. Chromosome 11 contains the gene of hemoglobin-Beta. Hemoglobin (HBB) transports oxygen to your body parts like your lungs. Hemoglobin contains 2 alpha hemoglobin and 2 beta hemoglobin chains. Sickle cell anemia results from a point mutation. There is a change in the sixth amino acid in the beta hemoglobin chain from GLU to VAL. The Hemoglobin S gene is then resulted from this and is a rece...
This disease is caused by a defective gene and was discovered in the 1930's. Scientists are
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): CML affects myeloid cells and usually grows slowly at first. More common in older people.
“The word 'leukemia' is a very frightening word. In many instances, it's a killer and it's something that you have to deal with in a very serious and determined way if you're going to beat it” - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Many people, including tons of children, fight leukemia every day trying to beat this vicious cancer. Without knowing how leukemia is exactly caused, it puts a damper on how to avoid it.
Wapner, Jessica, and Robert A. Weinberg. The Philadelphia chromosome: a mutant gene and the quest to cure cancer at the genetic level. New York, NY: The Experiment, LLC, 2013. Print.
Taylor, J., Loney, B. R., Bobadilla, L., Loacono, W.G., & McGue, M. (2003). Genetic and
by Trisomy 21 –a chromosomal defect, where there are three copies of chromosome 21 in each
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Depending on the patients and progress of the cancer, it will either grow...
The emphasis on health and fitness has become paramount in our society today in an effort to prevent and combat diseases such as Cancers. Cancers are a group of over 100 diseases that affects every aspect of the human system from skin, to bones, to muscles, to blood. One of the most common blood disorders is Leukemia. As defined by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bone that is responsible for the production of blood cells. The term leukemia means white blood. The term leukocytes refer to white blood cells, which are body’s defense against infections and other foreign substances. When Leukemia occurs there is an uncontrolled increase in the number of white blood cells. When this occurs, these cancerous cells inhibit the production of healthy red blood cells, platelets, and mature white blood cells. Over time the cancerous cells can spread to the bloodstream and lymph nodes. They can also travel to the Central Nervous System and the rest of the body.
Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, hematologic cancer, or cancer of the blood is a plasma cell cancer, a type of white blood cell made in the bone marrow that is responsible for creating antibodies. A Multiple myeloma diagnosis means a group of these plasma cells has become cancerous and is multiplying. This cancerous multiplication of plasma cells raises the the level of abnormal proteins in circulating blood, and reduces the space available in the bone marrow for making healthy plasma cells . Health problems caused by multiple myeloma can affect your bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood cell count. The lifetime risk of getting multiple myeloma is 1 in 149 (0.67%).
No matter who it happens to, any type of cancer is heart breaking. However, one’s heart seems to crack a little bit deeper when you hear a child has been diagnosed. Several forms of cancer can arise during childhood. The most common is called acute lymphoblastic/lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). In fact, it is so common between the ages 0-14, that people refer to it as childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Kanwar, 2013).