What are the risk factors and treatment options for the most common leukemia in adults?

Every September 1st, World CLL Day is commemorated, which seeks to raise awareness about this disease that affects thousands of people (Illustrative Image Infobae)

The leukemia It is a type of cancer that affects blood and bone marrowthe soft tissue inside the bones where blood cells are formed. In this disease, abnormal blood components, such as immature white blood cellsmultiply uncontrollably and replace healthy cells. This can lead to complications such as anemia, recurrent infections and excessive bleeding.

It can appear in various forms, and one of them is the chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)This type of condition is the most common in adults, who are usually diagnosed by chance thanks to routine medical tests. With the aim of raising awareness about this disease, which affects around 1000 new cases per year In Argentina, it is that every September 1st with commemorates the World Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Day.

The surprising diagnosis is due to the fact that the development of this type of leukemia is thisso it does not present symptoms until it is in advanced stagesSome of the main signs of this condition are: fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, frequent infectionsfever, night sweats, bruising, weight loss, inflammation of the spleen which generates a feeling of discomfort under the ribs.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common type in adults, often diagnosed during routine medical tests (iStock)

Although they do not exist specific causesrisk factors include advanced age, since its incidence is higher in patients older than 18 years. 60 yearsfamily history and exposure to chemicals harmful to health.

“He emotional journey begins with the diagnosis. Each case is unique, but the psychological impact that the word generates leukemia “It is universal,” said Fernando Piotrowski, patient and executive director of ALMA, an association that supports patients with leukemia in Argentina.

Due to the avance gradual of CLL is that treatment can not be necessary at the time of diagnosis. According to ALMA information, “One third will need it later; another third will never need it because their disease will remain under control, without progressing; and the remaining third will need to receive treatment immediately.”

Modern treatments for CLL are effective, allow control of the disease and improve quality of life (Gettyimages)

“The patient should be explained that, as long as he does not need it, does not provide benefits start a treatment, but it is very important to do it systematically controlsto warn in time of any progression of the disease that warrants taking therapeutic measuresalthough there is a significant group of people who will not need treatment at any time,” explained Dr. Augusto Miroli, a hematologist and member of the Hematology Service at the Churruca-Visca Police Hospital.

In the event that imminent therapy is not required, specialized professionals carry out a follow-up called “active surveillance” o “wait under observation“It is characterized by controls with a frequency determined by the medical team, generally every 3 or 6 months.

“The outlook for this leukemia, for those patients who need treatment, has improved significantly in recent years. There are now therapeutic schemes -chemotherapy-free- that combine certain medications -often administered orally- and that are highly effectivein addition to being indicated for a finite time, 1 or 2 yearsin which the patient manages to control the disease,” added Dr. Mirioli.

The psychological impact of a leukemia diagnosis is significant, requiring clear communication and constant support from doctors (Freepik)

In turn, he clarified that the chemotherapy It is still valid for certain cases, but modern targeted therapies can achieve best resultsdepending on the disease. The safety of these treatments is greater, and in turn they obtain a remission that is sustained over time.

While receiving the diagnosis is in itself difficult to assimilate, knowing that it cannot be done no treatment could be disconcerting. Because of this, physicians have a responsibility to maintain a constant and clear communication with the patient.

The fears that arise from this situation of uncertainty facing the future resonate both with the individual with leukemia and with their loved ones. Because of this, it is that the emotional containmentthrough participation in patient groups or with the support of psycho-oncology specialists, is essential.

Given this, Piotrowski concluded: “There are better medications, but they are also therapeutic schemes that allow you continue with your routinework, feel good and soon get back to your routine as you knew it.”