Supportive Therapy Play a Vital Role in the Treatment of Leukemia: A Review

Abstract

Leukemia is a major burden worldwide. The anomalous production of white blood cells (WBC) is responsible for producing leukemia; these cells are also known as blasts. A study indicated that thousands of patients are detected every year with leukemia risk worldwide. The risk factor including chemical exposure, ionizing radiations, cigarette smoking is the major causes for developing leukemia. There are four types of leukemia and number of genes involved are RUNX1, CEBPA, ETV6, TERT, SH2B3, PAX5, SMAD2, CDK9, MEN1, HDAC1, and LCK. Alteration in gene response and signaling pathway leads to the formation of blasts. Mutation plays a vital role in MAP kinase process involved in leukemogenesis. Leukemia is diagnosed by complete blood count, bone marrow tests, chromosome testing, and imaging testing. Therapies have been used for leukemia such as targeted therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, IFN therapy, stem cell transplantation, watchful waiting and supportive therapy. Leukemia is treated with any of these therapies but there is a still need of supportive therapy which plays a crucial role in the management of complications occurred during leukemia treatment. Marketed drugs and newly approved drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prevent leukemia and their serious adverse effect. Supportive therapy plays a vital role to enhance the recovery from leukemia.

Keywords: Leukemia, white blood cells (WBC), blasts, mutation, supportive therapy

Cite this Article

Bains P, Kaushik ML. Supportive Therapy Play a Vital Role in the Treatment of Leukemia: A Review. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology. 2018; 8(3): 1–8p.