Leukemia, lymphomas, myelomas

Questions and Answers

What role do proto-oncogenes play in the cell cycle?

They promote cell cycle progression. (correct)

They slow down cell cycle progression.

They inhibit growth factor activity.

They prevent genetic alterations.

How is the incidence of leukemia defined?

Percentage of the population affected by leukemia.

Rate of new cases over a specific time period. (correct)

Number of deaths caused by leukemia.

Total number of existing cases in the population.

What effect do mutations in tumor suppressor genes have on cell growth?

They promote uncontrolled cell growth.

They prevent the formation of clonal populations.

They enhance the effects of growth factors.

They inhibit or slow down cell cycle progression. (correct)

Which type of cancer is leukemia categorized as?

Cancer of the blood cells. Signup and view all the answers

What was the incidence of leukemia in the UK in 2018?

15.8 cases per 100,000 people. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of tumor suppressor genes?

To inhibit cell growth and division. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of clonal population formation in cancer?

It arises from mitotic division of an abnormal cell. Signup and view all the answers

How many people were diagnosed with leukemia in the UK in 2018?

9,900 people. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indication that AML has reached complete remission after chemotherapy?

Less than 5% blast cells in the bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

What is one major difference between complete remission and cure in the context of AML?

Cure means complete elimination of the disease Signup and view all the answers

How does chemotherapy typically affect older patients with AML compared to younger patients?

Older patients tolerate chemotherapy poorly Signup and view all the answers

What is the peak age for the incidence of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?

0-4 years Signup and view all the answers

Which subtypes of ALL account for the majority of cases?

85% B-cell and 15% T-cell Signup and view all the answers

What common symptom is associated with both bone marrow failure and ALL?

Excessive bruising Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is frequently observed in patients diagnosed with ALL?

Generalized lymphadenopathy Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of the BCR-ABL fusion gene in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?

Increased levels of neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of childhood leukemias does Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) account for?

80% Signup and view all the answers

When does Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) typically peak in onset?

Between 65-85 years Signup and view all the answers

What genetic abnormality is consistently associated with CML?

Philadelphia chromosome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment consideration for children diagnosed with ALL?

Standard chemotherapy and CNS prophylaxis Signup and view all the answers

How does the BCR-ABL fusion gene contribute to the pathogenesis of CML?

By encoding a protein with high tyrosine kinase activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of splenomegaly associated with CML?

Feeling of fullness Signup and view all the answers

What type of anemia is commonly associated with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Normocytic, normochromic anemia Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic procedure is key in confirming Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Lymph node biopsy Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate 10-year survival rate for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

55% Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment combination is indicated for potentially curing Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Chemotherapy with rituximab Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cancer type represented by multiple myeloma?

Cancer of clonal plasma cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication associated with Multiple Myeloma?

Hypercalcemia Signup and view all the answers

What type of immunoglobulin is produced by ab-secreting B-cells in Multiple Myeloma?

Paraprotein Signup and view all the answers

At what age does Multiple Myeloma typically peak in incidence?

85-89 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected hematological finding in blood tests for patients with Multiple Myeloma?

Pancytopenia Signup and view all the answers

Which group has a higher incidence of Multiple Myeloma?

African Americans Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a known environmental factor causing leukemia?

Exposure to benzene Signup and view all the answers

Which genetic condition is associated with an increased risk of leukemia?

Down's syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What does CLL stand for in the context of leukemia?

Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia Signup and view all the answers

What are the common symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

Malaise, fever, and sweats Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a characteristic feature of AML cells?

They lead to an excess of immature neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical presentation of Acute Leukemia?

Acute presentation with ≥20% blast cells Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of blasts in a peripheral blood film indicate?

Immature white blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication associated with thrombocytopenia in AML?

Bleeding tendencies and DIC Signup and view all the answers

What age demographic is most affected by Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

Individuals over 60 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the median age of diagnosis for AML?

Suggests AML primarily affects older adults Signup and view all the answers

Which leukemia is categorized as showing gradual increase in myeloid cells?

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of Chronic Leukemia compared to Acute Leukemia?

Presence of less than 20% blast cells Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'myelodysplasia' refer to in the context of leukemia?

Disordered development of myeloid cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of anaemia is commonly associated with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)?

Normocytic, normochromic anaemia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the neutrophil alkaline phosphatase score in CML?

Invariably low Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred initial therapy for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)?

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib Signup and view all the answers

Which specific test is used for detecting the Philadelphia chromosome in CML?

FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical demographic characteristic of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)?

Disease of the elderly, typically >50 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common clinical sign of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)?

Symmetrical and painless lymphadenopathy Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells predominantly characterize Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)?

B-cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of lymphocytes in blood tests for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)?

Appears as small round lymphocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is associated with a good prognosis for Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Early-stage diagnosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred diagnostic procedure for Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Lymph node biopsy Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common hematological finding in early Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Normochromic, normocytic anaemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical manifestation of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Asymmetrical painless lymphadenopathy Signup and view all the answers

Which hematological symptom is commonly associated with advanced stages of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Thrombocytopenia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of proto-oncogenes in cell cycle regulation?

Promoting cell cycle progression Signup and view all the answers

How do genetic mutations in tumor suppressor genes affect the cell cycle?

They promote uncontrolled cell growth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the concept of incidence?

The rate of new cases in a defined time period Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas?

They arise due to genetic alterations within a single cell Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the prevalence of leukemia is accurate?

It measures the total number of individuals with leukemia at a given time Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic shows a higher incidence of leukemia?

Adults compared to children Signup and view all the answers

What role does uncontrolled growth in leukemia play in the bone marrow?

It leads to a raised circulating white cell count Signup and view all the answers

What is the mortality rate of leukemia in the UK as of 2019?

7.6 cases per 100,000 people Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical platelet count variation observed in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)?

Can be increased, decreased, or normal Signup and view all the answers

Which marker is specifically associated with detecting Reed-Sternberg cells in Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

CD15 Signup and view all the answers

What defines the primary cure for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)?

Stem cell transplant Signup and view all the answers

What is the commonest leukaemia type in the Western world?

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is typically associated with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Painless cervical lymphadenopathy Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the progression of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)?

Indolent chronic phase followed by acceleration and acute phase Signup and view all the answers

What hematological change is most commonly seen in late stages of CLL?

Thrombocytopenia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indicator of complete remission in AML after chemotherapy?

Less than 5% blast cells in the bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms may occur due to oropharyngeal involvement in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Sore throat Signup and view all the answers

How does the cure rate for AML compare between younger and older patients?

Younger patients have a higher cure rate than older patients Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical sign of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)?

Symmetrical painless lymph node enlargement Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome indicate in CML?

Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Signup and view all the answers

What does a 5-year survival rate indicate in AML patients?

Percentage of patients alive 5 years after diagnosis, regardless of disease status Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the physical manifestation of hepatosplenomegaly in ALL?

Enlargement of the liver and spleen Signup and view all the answers

Which type of anaemia is primarily seen in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)?

Normocytic, normochromic anaemia Signup and view all the answers

Which phase is characteristic of Hodgkin's Lymphoma regarding age prevalence?

Ages 15-35 and over 50 Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the hallmark symptoms of bone marrow failure in ALL?

Increased susceptibility to infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary age range for the peak onset of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?

65-85 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes a key finding in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) blood tests?

Lymphocytosis with small round lymphocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the BCR-ABL fusion gene in patients with CML?

High tyrosine kinase activity leading to uncontrolled proliferation Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with splenomegaly in CML?

Sense of fullness in the abdomen Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) symptomatically?

Abrupt onset with rapid symptom development Signup and view all the answers

Which percentage of childhood leukemias does Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) represent?

80% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common side effect of chemotherapy for AML?

Hair loss and nausea Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of CML cases is generally noted to occur in males compared to females?

70% males, 30% females Signup and view all the answers

What is often observed in the CNS of ALL patients?

Headaches and neurological deficits Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary hematological finding in patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Normocytic, normochromic anaemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication that can arise from Multiple Myeloma?

Renal failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical prognosis for patients diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

55% 10-year survival rate Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment may potentially cure Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Chemotherapy combined with riuximab Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic feature is seen in the plasma cells of Multiple Myeloma?

Single homogeneous immunoglobulin, or paraprotein Signup and view all the answers

What is a systemic complication that can occur in patients with Multiple Myeloma?

Hypercalcemia Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the peak incidence of Multiple Myeloma typically occur?

85-89 years Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic procedure is essential for confirming Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Lymph node biopsy Signup and view all the answers

What is a common presenting symptom of Multiple Myeloma?

Bone pain with fractures Signup and view all the answers

What fluid imbalance is frequently observed in blood tests associated with Multiple Myeloma?

Hypercalcemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of the blood film in patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

Greater than 20% white blood cells as blast cells Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the common symptoms presented by patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

Fever and malaise Signup and view all the answers

Which genetic condition is associated with an increased risk of developing leukemia?

Down's syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What does the abbreviation CLL stand for in leukemia classification?

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental factor is known to cause leukemia?

Exposure to benzene Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the bone marrow in patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

It is crowded with myeloid blast cells Signup and view all the answers

How is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) typically categorized?

Into subtypes M0-M7 Signup and view all the answers

What type of anemia is commonly associated with AML?

Normocytic, normochromic anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the median age of diagnosis for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

60 years Signup and view all the answers

What is a positive marker for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in blood tests?

Presence of myeloid blasts Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does thrombocytopenia have in AML patients?

Bleeding tendencies and DIC Signup and view all the answers

What defines the acute presentation of AML?

Rapid onset of symptoms like malaise and fever Signup and view all the answers

How can leukemia be caused by a previous treatment?

Previous chemotherapy with alkylating agents Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Regulation of the Cell Cycle

Normal cell proliferation is controlled by growth factors.
Proto-oncogenes promote cell cycle progression, acting like a gas pedal.
Tumor suppressor genes inhibit or slow down cell cycle progression, functioning like a brake pedal.

Types of Haematological Malignancies

Leukaemias, lymphomas, and myelomas arise from genetic alterations within a single bone marrow or lymphoid tissue cell.

Genetic Alterations

Oncogenes result from mutations in proto-oncogenes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
Mutations in tumor suppressor genes lead to a lack of regulation in cell cycle progression.

Clonal Population Formation

Comes from mitotic divisions of an original abnormal cell.

Incidence and Prevalence

Incidence: Rate of new cases in a specific time frame (expressed per population at risk).
Prevalence: Total number of individuals with the condition, regardless of onset time.

Leukemia Overview

Type of blood cancer with uncontrolled growth in the bone marrow, causing high white cell counts and potential bone marrow failure.

Leukemia Statistics (UK, 2018-2019)

9,900 annual diagnoses and an incidence of 15.8 cases per 100,000 people.
Mortality rate stands at 7.6 cases per 100,000 people.
Most prevalent in children but affects three times as many adults.

Causes of Leukemia

Majority of cases have unknown origins, but known causes include chemotherapy, radiation exposure, and genetic conditions like Down's syndrome.

Types of Leukemia

Categorized as Acute (e.g., AML, ALL) or Chronic (e.g., CML, CLL).
Characterized based on whether myeloid or lymphoid cells are affected.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Features uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid stem cells, leading to excess immature white blood cells.
Median age at diagnosis is around 60, with incidence at 4.9 per 100,000 in the UK.
Signs include malaise, fever, and bleeding symptoms resulting from anemia and thrombocytopenia.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Involves uncontrolled growth of lymphoid stem cells, primarily affecting children aged 0-4.
Accounts for 80% of childhood leukemia cases, with an incidence of 1.1 per 100,000 in the UK.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Characterized by a peak onset at ages 65-85 and indicates a male predominance.
Associated with the Philadelphia chromosome, resulting from the BCR-ABL fusion gene, contributing to disease progression.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Primarily affects the elderly (peak age over 50) and is generally asymptomatic initially.
Most cases involve B-lymphocytes, with a noted lymphocytosis and potential hematological issues in advanced stages.

Lymphoma Overview

Cancer involving lymphoid tissue; includes Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma features Reed-Sternberg cells, while non-Hodgkin’s presents with more variable features and is more prevalent.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Peaks in incidence at ages 15-35 and over 50, with a 3.3 per 100,000 occurrence in the UK.
Commonly presents as painless lymphadenopathy, often in cervical nodes.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Accounts for the largest part of lymphoid tumors (B-cell predominant), incidence of 22.8 per 100,000 in the UK, higher risk >45 years.
Symptoms may include lymphadenopathy with less prominence of fever and night sweats compared to Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Prognosis and Treatment Overview

Prognosis for AML varies by age; younger patients show an 80-90% remission rate post-chemotherapy, while older patients have a 5-year survival rate of approximately 15%.
Hodgkin's lymphoma presents a favorable prognosis, with an 80% 10-year survival rate, whereas Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma shows variable outcomes based on disease aggressiveness and staging.### Cytogenetics and Prognosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Cytogenetics and chromosome mapping are techniques performed in the diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Overall, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma has a 55% 10-year survival rate.
Indolent Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma typically responds well to chemotherapy, though complete cure is difficult to achieve.
Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma can be cured with a combination of chemotherapy and rituximab.
Increasingly, stem cell transplants are being utilized as treatment options for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Multiple Myeloma Overview

Defined as cancer arising from clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow, with origins linked to B-cells.
Rarely occurs before 40 years of age, peaking in incidence between 85-89 years.
In the UK, the incidence rate stood at 9.6 per 100,000 population as of 2018.

Demographics and Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma

Males are more frequently affected than females.
African Americans exhibit a higher incidence compared to Caucasian populations.
Common symptoms include bone pain, with fractures being the most prevalent.
Other symptoms may include anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia.

Systemic Complications and Complications in Multiple Myeloma

Potential systemic complications may involve renal failure and hypercalcemia.
Amyloidosis, marked by the deposition of abnormally folded proteins, can occur, leading to extra clinical complications.
Plasma cells proliferate in the bone marrow, causing overcrowding with typically greater than 20% of plasma cells present.

Diagnostic Indicators and Blood Test Findings

Diagnostic blood tests reveal the presence of paraprotein, a single homogeneous immunoglobulin detectable in serum and/or urine.
Hematological analysis may show normocytic, normochromic, or macrocytic anaemia, and potential pancytopenia (decreased levels of all major blood cells).
Metabolic imbalances, such as hypercalcemia, may also be detected during blood tests.

Prognosis for Multiple Myeloma

Cure for Multiple Myeloma remains elusive, though chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplant can result in a 29% 10-year survival rate.
Emphasizing good palliative care is critical for effective pain relief in patients.

Leukaemia is classified as cancer of white blood cells, encompassing types such as Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML), and Chronic Lymphoid Leukaemia (CLL).
Lymphoma refers to cancer affecting lymphoid tissue, with subtypes including Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Myeloma specifically signifies cancer of clonal plasma cells within the bone marrow, originating from B-cells.

Regulation of the Cell Cycle

Growth factors regulate normal cell proliferation.
Proto-oncogenes promote cell cycle progression, likened to a gas pedal.
Tumor suppressor genes inhibit or slow down cell cycle progression, functioning like a brake pedal.

Types of Hematological Malignancies

Hematological malignancies include leukaemias, lymphomas, and myelomas, arising from genetic alterations in a single marrow or lymphoid cell.

Genetic Alterations

Oncogenes: Mutations in proto-oncogenes lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
Tumor suppressor genes: Mutations inhibit or delay cell cycle progression.

Clonal Population Formation

Result of mitotic division in successive generations from an original abnormal cell, creating a clonal population.

Incidence and Prevalence

Incidence: Rate of new cases over a time period among populations at risk.
Prevalence: Total number of individuals with a condition, regardless of onset time.

Leukemia

A cancer of blood cells, marked by uncontrolled growth in the bone marrow, elevating white blood cell count and causing bone marrow failure.
UK statistics (2018): 9,900 new leukemia diagnoses, incidence of 15.8 per 100,000, and mortality rate of 7.6 per 100,000 (2019).
Affects more adults than children, although it's the most common childhood cancer.

Causes of Leukemia

Majority of cases have unknown causes; known causes include:
- Previous chemotherapy with alkylating agents.
- Radiation exposure.
- Environmental exposures (benzene, formaldehyde).
- Genetic conditions, e.g., Down's syndrome and myelodysplasia.

Types of Leukemia

Major categories: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), and Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia (CLL).

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Characterized by excess immature myeloid cells, particularly granulocytes and monocytes.
Incidence in the UK (2018): 4.9 per 100,000.
Symptoms: malaise, fever, sweats, anemia, infections, bleeding tendencies.
Blood tests may show over 20% blast cells; associated with normocytic, normochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia.
Prognosis varies; younger patients show higher complete remission rates (80-90%) post-chemotherapy, but lower cure rates (45%).

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Characterized by abnormal lymphoblast proliferation, primarily affecting children.
Accounts for about 80% of childhood leukemia with peak incidence between 0-4 years.
Incidence in the UK (2018): 1.1 per 100,000.
Symptoms include bone and joint pain, bone marrow failure indications, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and possible CNS involvement.
Treatment outcomes generally provide curability in children, less so in adults.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Characterized by excessive production of leukocytes, notably neutrophils.
Peak onset between ages 65-85, with higher incidence in males.
Incidence in the UK (2018): 1.3 per 100,000.
Philadelphia chromosome presence is a key genetic abnormality, resulting from ABL gene translocation creating the BCR-ABL fusion gene.
Symptoms include fatigue, splenomegaly, and leukostasis.
Average 5-year survival rate is around 50%; initial treatment typically starts with imatinib.

Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia (CLL)

Involves uncontrolled proliferation of B-lymphocytes, primarily affecting older adults.
Incidence: 5.7 per 100,000 (UK, 2018).
Generally indolent, asymptomatic early stages; may present with lymphadenopathy.
Treatment becomes necessary at advanced stages; approximately 70% 5-year survival rate.

Lymphoma

Cancers of lymphoid tissue (spleen, lymph nodes, etc.).
Hodgkin's lymphoma (40% incidence) features Reed-Sternberg cells; presents with asymmetric lymphadenopathy.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (60% incidence) is more diverse, typically occurring in older adults.
Hodgkin's lymphoma has an 80% 10-year survival rate; prognosis depends heavily on the disease stage.
Diagnostic process involves lymph node biopsies to identify cell lineage and determine treatment.### Cytogenetics and Lymphoma Prognosis
Cytogenetics and chromosome mapping provide insights into Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma has a 55% 10-year survival rate.
Indolent Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma responds positively to chemotherapy, though a complete cure is rare.
Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma can be cured with a combination of chemotherapy and rituximab.
Stem cell transplants are increasingly utilized in the treatment regimen for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Multiple Myeloma Overview

Multiple Myeloma is characterized as cancer of clonal plasma cells originating from B-cells in the bone marrow.
Ab-secreting B-cells produce a paraprotein, an immunoglobulin detectable in serum and urine.

Incidence and Demographics

Occurs rarely before age 40, with a peak incidence between 85-89 years.
The incidence rate in the UK is 9.6 per 100,000 (2018).
Males are more frequently diagnosed than females.
Higher incidence rates are observed in African Americans compared to Caucasians.

Symptoms and Complications

Common symptoms include bone pain, fractures, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia.
Systemic complications may involve renal failure and hypercalcemia.
Amyloidosis may develop, leading to additional complications through abnormal protein deposition.
Overcrowding of plasma cells in the bone marrow occurs, often exceeding 20%.

Diagnostic Indicators

Blood tests indicate the presence of paraprotein in serum and/or urine.
Hematological signs include normocytic, normochromic, or macrocytic anemia, along with potential pancytopenia.
Blood tests may reveal hypercalcemia, indicating elevated calcium levels.

Prognosis of Multiple Myeloma

Cure is generally elusive, with chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation leading to a 29% 10-year survival rate.
Emphasis on good palliative care, particularly for pain relief, is vital for patient management.

Summary of Hematological Cancers

Leukemia: Cancer affecting white blood cells, including AML, ALL, CML, CLL, and others.
Lymphoma: Cancer of lymphoid tissue, with Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas as key types.
Myeloma: Cancer of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow, specifically B-cells.

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Description

This quiz explores the crucial roles of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in the cell cycle and their implications in leukemia. It delves into definitions, effects of mutations, and statistical data on leukemia incidence in the UK. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts in cancer biology.