Understanding Leukemia: Types, Causes, and Risks

The American Cancer Society (ACS) predicts around 60,300 new leukemia cases in the United States this year, with approximately 24,370 fatalities. Leukemia begins in blood stem cells, either immature myeloid cells (which form platelets and fight bacteria) or immature lymphoid cells (white blood cells like B, T, or NK cells). These blast cells multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy cells and impairing immune function.

1. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Annually, about 5,960 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S., leading to around 1,470 deaths. Mostly affecting children under 5, ALL responds well to intensive treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants, and immunotherapy. Younger patients tend to recover better, while those over 50 face higher mortality rates.

2. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Usually diagnosed in older adults, with an average age of 70, CLL accounts for about 20,940 cases annually and roughly 4,510 deaths. It progresses slowly but can metastasize to organs like the liver and spleen if untreated. Treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and immunotherapy.

3. Acute Myeloid Leukemia
The most common leukemia subtype, AML affects approximately 19,520 individuals each year, causing around 10,670 deaths. It generally impacts older adults (average age 68). AML advances rapidly but has high remission rates (70-80%) in younger patients with comprehensive treatment, with a 5-year survival rate near 26%.

4. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Each year in the U.S., CML is diagnosed in about 8,430 individuals with approximately 1,090 deaths. Predominantly affecting those over 65, CML results from a genetic abnormality called the Philadelphia chromosome, leading to excess abnormal white blood cells. Standard treatments involve targeted therapies, chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and immunotherapy.