Leukemia

Leukemia

The prevention and treatment of leukemia -- cancer of the blood or bone marrow. The disease is characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells.

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Leukemia

cytotoxic drugs

Health care; Leukemia

Anti-cancer drugs that act by killing or preventing the division of cells. (See chemotherapy.)

Any change that alters gene activity without changing the DNA sequence. Many types of epigenetic changes have been identified. While epigenetic changes are natural and essential to many of the body's ...

blood cells

Health care; Leukemia

Any of the three main types of cells in the blood: red cells, which carry oxygen; white cells, which principally prevent or combat infections; and platelets, which help prevent bleeding. There are ...

sanctuary sites

Health care; Leukemia

Areas in which it is difficult to get a sufficient concentration of chemotherapy to destroy leukemia cells. For example, in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the coverings (meninges) of the brain and ...

benzene

Health care; Leukemia

Benzene is a widely used chemical formed from both natural and manufacturing processes. It is used to make plastics, detergents, pesticides and other chemical compounds.

hemorrhage

Health care; Leukemia

Bleeding either to the outside through the skin or internally.

red cells

Health care; Leukemia

Blood cells (erythrocytes) that carry hemoglobin, which binds oxygen and carries it to the tissues of the body. The red cells make up about 40 to 45 percent of the volume of the blood in healthy ...