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Questions and Answers
What is the definition of cancer?
What is the definition of cancer?
What type of cancer occurs when cancer originates from a blood cell?
What type of cancer occurs when cancer originates from a blood cell?
What is the origin of Myeloma?
What is the origin of Myeloma?
What is the normal maturation sequence of a Neutrophil?
What is the normal maturation sequence of a Neutrophil?
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What is a risk factor for developing Acute Leukemias?
What is a risk factor for developing Acute Leukemias?
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What is a characteristic of Chronic Leukemias?
What is a characteristic of Chronic Leukemias?
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What is a risk factor for developing Lymphomas?
What is a risk factor for developing Lymphomas?
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What is a characteristic of Multiple Myeloma?
What is a characteristic of Multiple Myeloma?
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What is the type of leukemia that occurs when there is a neoplastic transformation of a B cell?
What is the type of leukemia that occurs when there is a neoplastic transformation of a B cell?
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Which of the following is a risk factor for developing Acute Erythroid Leukemia?
Which of the following is a risk factor for developing Acute Erythroid Leukemia?
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What is the name of the genetic translocation that causes Chronic Myeloid Leukemia?
What is the name of the genetic translocation that causes Chronic Myeloid Leukemia?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of Multiple Myeloma?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Multiple Myeloma?
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What is the name of the syndrome that is a pre-malignancy of the bone marrow?
What is the name of the syndrome that is a pre-malignancy of the bone marrow?
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Which of the following is a risk factor for developing Lymphomas?
Which of the following is a risk factor for developing Lymphomas?
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What is the relationship between relatives of probands and the risk of developing Lymphomas?
What is the relationship between relatives of probands and the risk of developing Lymphomas?
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What is the association between Body Mass Index and the risk of developing Multiple Myeloma?
What is the association between Body Mass Index and the risk of developing Multiple Myeloma?
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What is the typical outcome for patients with acute leukemia if left untreated?
What is the typical outcome for patients with acute leukemia if left untreated?
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What is a critical aspect of diagnosing acute leukemia?
What is a critical aspect of diagnosing acute leukemia?
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What is the most common acute leukemia in adults?
What is the most common acute leukemia in adults?
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What is a common symptom of anemia in patients with acute leukemia?
What is a common symptom of anemia in patients with acute leukemia?
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What is a rare but possible complication of acute leukemia?
What is a rare but possible complication of acute leukemia?
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What is a common risk factor for developing acute leukemia?
What is a common risk factor for developing acute leukemia?
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What is a common laboratory finding in patients with acute leukemia?
What is a common laboratory finding in patients with acute leukemia?
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What is a common mistake to make when evaluating a patient with suspected acute leukemia?
What is a common mistake to make when evaluating a patient with suspected acute leukemia?
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What is the primary reason Acute Leukemia is so dangerous?
What is the primary reason Acute Leukemia is so dangerous?
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When is it necessary to immediately contact an on-call hematologist?
When is it necessary to immediately contact an on-call hematologist?
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What is a common symptom of hyperviscosity in Acute Leukemia?
What is a common symptom of hyperviscosity in Acute Leukemia?
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What is the general treatment for Acute Leukemia?
What is the general treatment for Acute Leukemia?
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What is the term for the specific treatment regimen in AML?
What is the term for the specific treatment regimen in AML?
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What is the special treatment required for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APML)?
What is the special treatment required for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APML)?
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What is the term for the specific diagnostic feature of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APML)?
What is the term for the specific diagnostic feature of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APML)?
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What is the term for the type of immunotherapy used in advanced treatments?
What is the term for the type of immunotherapy used in advanced treatments?
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What is a common side effect of CAR-T therapy?
What is a common side effect of CAR-T therapy?
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What is the long-term side effect of CAR-T therapy?
What is the long-term side effect of CAR-T therapy?
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What is a characteristic of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?
What is a characteristic of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?
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What is a common feature of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)?
What is a common feature of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)?
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What is a treatment option for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?
What is a treatment option for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?
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What is a complication of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)?
What is a complication of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)?
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What is a symptom of splenomegaly in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?
What is a symptom of splenomegaly in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?
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What is the typical age range for peak incidence of Hodgkin Lymphoma?
What is the typical age range for peak incidence of Hodgkin Lymphoma?
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What is the primary indication for EXCISIONAL biopsy in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
What is the primary indication for EXCISIONAL biopsy in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
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What is the mechanism of action of Rituximab in treating B cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
What is the mechanism of action of Rituximab in treating B cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
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What is the annual progression rate from MGUS to Multiple Myeloma?
What is the annual progression rate from MGUS to Multiple Myeloma?
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What is the primary complication of Hypercalcemia in Multiple Myeloma?
What is the primary complication of Hypercalcemia in Multiple Myeloma?
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What is the common laboratory finding in patients with acute leukemia?
What is the common laboratory finding in patients with acute leukemia?
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What is the term for the specific treatment regimen in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
What is the term for the specific treatment regimen in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
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What is the common side effect of CAR-T therapy?
What is the common side effect of CAR-T therapy?
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What is the primary characteristic of 'Owl Eye cells' in Hodgkin Lymphoma?
What is the primary characteristic of 'Owl Eye cells' in Hodgkin Lymphoma?
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What is the most common age range for the peak incidence of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
What is the most common age range for the peak incidence of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
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What is the primary mechanism of action of Rituximab in treating B cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
What is the primary mechanism of action of Rituximab in treating B cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
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What is the primary complication of Hypercalcemia in Multiple Myeloma?
What is the primary complication of Hypercalcemia in Multiple Myeloma?
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What is the annual progression rate from MGUS to Multiple Myeloma?
What is the annual progression rate from MGUS to Multiple Myeloma?
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What is the primary indication for EXCISIONAL biopsy in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
What is the primary indication for EXCISIONAL biopsy in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
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What is the primary treatment option for patients with Multiple Myeloma?
What is the primary treatment option for patients with Multiple Myeloma?
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What is the primary characteristic of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia?
What is the primary characteristic of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia?
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What is the characteristic of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
What is the characteristic of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
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Which type of cancer is associated with the 'Owl eyes' characteristic?
Which type of cancer is associated with the 'Owl eyes' characteristic?
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What is the typical age range for the peak incidence of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)?
What is the typical age range for the peak incidence of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)?
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What is the characteristic of Multiple Myeloma?
What is the characteristic of Multiple Myeloma?
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What is the characteristic of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)?
What is the characteristic of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)?
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Study Notes
Cancer Generalities
- Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and loss of apoptosis (programmed cell death)
- Can occur in any cell in the body
- Cancer originating from a blood cell can be classified as Leukemia (myeloid or lymphoid), Lymphoma (lymphoid tissue), or Myeloma (plasma cells, a type of B cell)
Blood Cell Types and Associated Cancers
- Neutrophils → Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- Lymphocytes → Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Monocytes → Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- Eosinophils → Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
- Basophils → AML, seen in CML and HD
- RBC’s → Acute Erythroid Leukemia (rare)
- Platelets → Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia (rare)
Normal Neutrophil Development
- Myeloblast → Promyelocyte → Myelocyte → Metamyelocyte → Band → Neutrophil
Epidemiology of Acute Leukemias
- Typically affects older people, non-Hispanic whites
- Genetic disorders: Down Syndrome, Ataxia telangiectasia, Fanconi Anemia, Li Fraumeni
- Radiation exposure
- Chemical exposure
Epidemiology of Chronic Leukemias
- Ionizing radiation is the only known risk factor
- CML was the first disorder proven to be caused by a genetic translocation [t(9;22)]
Epidemiology of Lymphomas
- Relatives of probands have a 3.5x higher chance of developing lymphoma
- Higher incidence in patients with RA, hemolytic anemia, psoriasis, SLE, Systemic sclerosis, Polyarteritis nodosa, sarcoidosis, Crohn Disease, motor neuron disease, and Celiac disease
- Immunosuppression
- Viral infections (HIV, HTLV, EBV)
Epidemiology of Multiple Myeloma
- Higher incidence in African Americans
- Risk increases with Body Mass Index
- Association with Agent Orange exposure (especially those with MGUS)
- Higher incidence in families (3.5x higher with 1st degree relative)
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Not a malignancy, but a pre-malignancy of the bone marrow
- Defined as...
Cancer Generalities
- Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and loss of apoptosis (programmed cell death)
- Can occur in any cell in the body
- Cancer originating from a blood cell can be classified as Leukemia (myeloid or lymphoid), Lymphoma (lymphoid tissue), or Myeloma (plasma cells, a type of B cell)
Blood Cell Types and Associated Cancers
- Neutrophils → Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- Lymphocytes → Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Monocytes → Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- Eosinophils → Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
- Basophils → AML, seen in CML and HD
- RBC’s → Acute Erythroid Leukemia (rare)
- Platelets → Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia (rare)
Normal Neutrophil Development
- Myeloblast → Promyelocyte → Myelocyte → Metamyelocyte → Band → Neutrophil
Epidemiology of Acute Leukemias
- Typically affects older people, non-Hispanic whites
- Genetic disorders: Down Syndrome, Ataxia telangiectasia, Fanconi Anemia, Li Fraumeni
- Radiation exposure
- Chemical exposure
Epidemiology of Chronic Leukemias
- Ionizing radiation is the only known risk factor
- CML was the first disorder proven to be caused by a genetic translocation [t(9;22)]
Epidemiology of Lymphomas
- Relatives of probands have a 3.5x higher chance of developing lymphoma
- Higher incidence in patients with RA, hemolytic anemia, psoriasis, SLE, Systemic sclerosis, Polyarteritis nodosa, sarcoidosis, Crohn Disease, motor neuron disease, and Celiac disease
- Immunosuppression
- Viral infections (HIV, HTLV, EBV)
Epidemiology of Multiple Myeloma
- Higher incidence in African Americans
- Risk increases with Body Mass Index
- Association with Agent Orange exposure (especially those with MGUS)
- Higher incidence in families (3.5x higher with 1st degree relative)
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- Not a malignancy, but a pre-malignancy of the bone marrow
- Defined as...
Acute Leukemias
- Without treatment, acute leukemias are fatal, and death can occur within hours, days, or weeks
- Acute leukemias are the most dangerous malignancies, requiring immediate referral to a hematologist without delay
- These patients are the sickest in the hospital, and prompt identification of findings is crucial
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Leukemia
- CBC with "BLAST" in the differential, which is never normal in peripheral blood
- Severe fatigue associated with anemia, cardiac damage, SOB, liver enzyme elevation, and renal insufficiency
- High white cell count (>50-100K), which may require leukapheresis to reduce leukostasis
Epidemiology of Acute Leukemia
- AML is the most common acute leukemia in adults, while ALL is the most common in children
- Incidence increases with age, with a median age of 65 years old
- Incidence is similar between races
- Almost all cases are associated with acquired gene mutations, with unknown underlying causes
- Environmental factors like exposure to chemotherapy, RT, chemicals, benzene exposure, and smoking are contributing factors
- Germline mutations, Trisomy 21, Fanconi's anemia, and CHIP (Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Significance) are also associated with acute leukemia
Clinical Presentation of Acute Leukemia
- Anemia
- Fevers
- Bleeding/bruising or DIC
- Bone/Joint pains
- Skin manifestations
- Pallor
- Petechiae
- Ecchymosis
- Rare: gingival hyperplasia (monocytic), oral candida, herpetic lesions
- CNS involvement: confusions, CNS hemorrhage, meningitis (monocytic)
- Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly (10%), usually indicating ALL or prior MPN
- Metabolic/electrolyte abnormalities:
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Hypocalcemia
- High uric acid
- Hyperkalemia
- High LDH
Why Acute Leukemia is so Dangerous
- Acute Leukemia cells are "sticky," causing blockages in capillaries and vasculature, leading to infarctions in organs
- Leukemic blasts take over the bone marrow, preventing normal growth and production of WBCs, RBCs, and platelets
- Doubling time for malignant cells can be hours, allowing them to quickly take over the entire marrow space
When to Suspect Acute Leukemia
- When "blasts" are seen in the WBC differential, immediately contact a hematologist
- Sudden changes in WBC count can indicate leukemia or infection and medication use
- WBC count elevation may require discussion with a specialist, especially if there are signs of hyperviscosity:
- Changes in mentation and vision
- Bleeding from gums or increased spontaneous bruising
- Chest pains
- Renal failure (from TLS!)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
Treatments for AML/ALL
- Treatment of acute leukemia always involves chemotherapy (unless palliative care)
- Cytoreduction may be necessary, using Hydroxyurea (in AML) or steroids (in ALL), and Leukopheresis
- Fit patients will need to undergo chemotherapy:
- AML: "7 + 3" (High dose Ara C plus anthracycline)
- ALL: Chemotherapies with steroids as the backbone, depending on age and type of lymphocyte (B or T cell)
- Many patients will require a CONSOLIDATION BONE MARRROW TRANSPLANT after achieving remission
- CAR-T therapy is now used in some leukemias
- Not everyone will be eligible for chemotherapy treatment, and many will not be eligible for bone marrow transplant
- Supportive care is offered for those who are not eligible for intensive chemotherapy
Special Case of AML: Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APML) aka M3
- Has the special t (15;17), Retinoid Acid Receptor Alpha (RAR-A)
- Presents with DIC and will die of bleeding complications if not found early
- MUST START ATRA IMMEDIATELY IF SUSPECTED until confirmation tests return
- Auer Rods are needlelike crystals diagnostic of APML
- APML has an EXCELLENT prognosis but a difficult initial course
Advanced Treatments
- Bone Marrow Transplant
- Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CART) therapy:
- Type of immunotherapy
- FDA approved for B-ALL, B-NHL, Mantle Cell Lymphoma, follicular Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma
- Some good results, especially in B-ALL with CR 70-94%, but some will relapse regardless of initial response
- Major side effects: Fever, Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), and long-term B cell aplasia leading to hypogammaglobulinemia and cytopenia
Chronic Leukemia Types
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is characterized by the presence of the BCR-ABL translocation t(9;22).
- CML is often associated with elevated White Blood Cell (WBC) count, potentially high Platelet (PLT) count, and almost normal Hemoglobin (Hb) levels.
- Splenomegaly is always present in CML.
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are used to treat CML.
- CML can progress to an accelerated phase (with 30% blasts) which is treated similarly to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- CLL is characterized by a VERY elevated WBC count (in the hundreds of thousands).
- The Complete Blood Count (CBC) report often includes the presence of "smudge cells".
- New treatments for CLL involve oral medications.
- Depending on the disease stage, patients with CLL can have a normal life expectancy.
Chronic Leukemias General Characteristics
- Chronic Leukemias are not usually emergencies and can be managed over a long period.
- Patients are at increased risk of infections, especially in CLL, which may be mitigated by monthly IVIG infusions.
- Splenomegaly in CML can lead to feelings of fullness even when eating small meals.
Treatment of Chronic Leukemias
- Imatinib was the first Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) approved for CML treatment.
- Historically, CLL treatment involved chemotherapy, but new oral medications are now available.
Lymphomas
- Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) presentation: lymphadenopathy, fatigue, pruritus, with peak ages at 20-24 and 80-84 years old
- HL treatment: complex chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of both, with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and CART therapy as options
- "Owl Eye cells" are associated with HL
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
- Affects all races, ages, and socioeconomic strata, with increased risk for those exposed to chemicals, radiation, HIV, EBV, and with breast implants
- Presentation: lymphadenopathy, fever of unknown origin, and possible association with autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiencies, and H. pylori infection
- Physical exam: enlarged lymph nodes (LN), spleen, and CNS involvement
- Diagnosis: requires excisional biopsy of LN (FNA's are poor), with examination of CBC, renal function, and uric acid levels
- Treatment: depends on NHL type, with options including radiation, chemotherapy, immunomodulators, and BMT/CART
Rituximab
- Monoclonal Ab against CD20 Ag, optimizing B cells for Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity
- Used in B cell (CD 20+) Lymphomas, commonly with R-CHOP/CHOP or R-EPOCH chemotherapy regimens
Plasma Cell Dyscrasias
- MGUS: 1%/year progression rate to multiple myeloma
- Smoldering myeloma and multiple myeloma are complications of MGUS
- Waldenström macroglobulinemia: a type of lymphoma
- Amyloidosis: a complication of plasma cell dyscrasias
- CRAB Criteria: calcium elevation, renal failure, anemia, bone lesions
- Pitfalls of MM: worsening anemia, renal failure, hypercalcemia, and increased thirst and urination frequency
- Bone lesions with pathological fractures are common in MM
- When to refer a patient: anemia with renal insufficiency +/- hypercalcemia, or lytic lesions on imaging
Multiple Myeloma (MM) Management
- Oncologist risk stratification and assessment for autologous transplant
- Stem cell collection after 3-6 months of induction chemotherapy, which can be kept for many years
- Auto transplant prolongs the time to first relapse, but MM is not curable with auto transplant; it only prolongs survival
- Treatment aims to improve quality of life and manage symptoms, but there is no current cure for MM
Lymphomas
- Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) presentation: lymphadenopathy, fatigue, pruritus, with peak ages at 20-24 and 80-84 years old
- HL treatment: complex chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of both, with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and CART therapy as options
- "Owl Eye cells" are associated with HL
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
- Affects all races, ages, and socioeconomic strata, with increased risk for those exposed to chemicals, radiation, HIV, EBV, and with breast implants
- Presentation: lymphadenopathy, fever of unknown origin, and possible association with autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiencies, and H. pylori infection
- Physical exam: enlarged lymph nodes (LN), spleen, and CNS involvement
- Diagnosis: requires excisional biopsy of LN (FNA's are poor), with examination of CBC, renal function, and uric acid levels
- Treatment: depends on NHL type, with options including radiation, chemotherapy, immunomodulators, and BMT/CART
Rituximab
- Monoclonal Ab against CD20 Ag, optimizing B cells for Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity
- Used in B cell (CD 20+) Lymphomas, commonly with R-CHOP/CHOP or R-EPOCH chemotherapy regimens
Plasma Cell Dyscrasias
- MGUS: 1%/year progression rate to multiple myeloma
- Smoldering myeloma and multiple myeloma are complications of MGUS
- Waldenström macroglobulinemia: a type of lymphoma
- Amyloidosis: a complication of plasma cell dyscrasias
- CRAB Criteria: calcium elevation, renal failure, anemia, bone lesions
- Pitfalls of MM: worsening anemia, renal failure, hypercalcemia, and increased thirst and urination frequency
- Bone lesions with pathological fractures are common in MM
- When to refer a patient: anemia with renal insufficiency +/- hypercalcemia, or lytic lesions on imaging
Multiple Myeloma (MM) Management
- Oncologist risk stratification and assessment for autologous transplant
- Stem cell collection after 3-6 months of induction chemotherapy, which can be kept for many years
- Auto transplant prolongs the time to first relapse, but MM is not curable with auto transplant; it only prolongs survival
- Treatment aims to improve quality of life and manage symptoms, but there is no current cure for MM
Myeloid Leukemias
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): sudden onset, >20% blasts, severe
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): characterized by Philadelphia chromosome
Lymphoid Leukemias
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): typically affects kids
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): typically affects older adults, characterized by smudge cells
Lymphomas
Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Peaks in young age and old age
- Characterized by "owl eyes" and Reed-Sternberg cells
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Affects all ages and races
- Characterized by splenomegaly and implants
- Associated with H. pylori
Multiple Myeloma
- Presents with mild back pain, typically in the mid-thoracic region
- Pain not alleviated when lying down
- Affects middle-aged individuals
- Can cause cord suppression when lying in a supine position
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
- A premalignant disorder that will progress to cancer if left untreated
- A precursor to cancer
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Description
Learn about the characteristics of cancer and how it can occur in different blood cell types, leading to various types of leukemia and lymphoma.