Leukemia
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Definition:
Leukemia is a group of bone marrow diseases involving an uncontrolled increase in white blood cells (leukocytes).
For information about a specific type of leukemia, see the following:
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The Wake Forest Baptist Approach
Our Leukemia Program, which began in 1986, is widely recognized for excellence in patient care, teaching and clinical research. As one of the largest adult leukemia services in the Southeast, we are active in national research studies. Active collaboration between basic science laboratory research faculty and our own clinical researchers ensures that patients are offered cutting edge therapies.
Among the research studies currently underway is a clinical trial evaluating the use of arsenic trioxide as part of a front line therapy for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a subtype that accounts for approximately 10 percent of all acute myeloid leukemia. This research study is sponsored by Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), one of three major adult national cancer research groups.
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In addition to access to the latest treatments, some of the multidisciplinary services offered for our leukemia patients are nutritional consults, recreational therapy, pastoral care services and the Cancer Patient Support Program. Additionally, our oncology staff works with patients and families to identify support and resources in their home communities.
Lymphomas, including Hodgkin’s Disease and the array of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, represent a growing area of clinical interest at the Comprehensive Cancer Center. Treatment ranges from standard “treatment guideline” protocols to local and national research trials investigating cutting edge therapies. One particular area of emphasis is dose-intensive therapy followed by either bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplantation. |
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Review Date: 6/2/2003
Reviewed By: Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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