Fast Facts: Leukemia

Leukemia is a blood cancer that originates from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. This guide begins with an explanation of normal blood cell formation and describes what occurs when the process becomes abnormal in leukemia. It covers the four most common subtypes of the disease. While leukemia incidence and prevalence are rising globally, survival rates are also improving. However, managing both disease effects and treatment side effects remains challenging. As understanding of the molecular basis of leukemia advances, treatment approaches are becoming increasingly personalized. This revised second edition addresses causes and risk factors for each leukemia subtype, initial and confirmatory diagnostic tests, and current treatment options. The book is designed for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, primary care providers, oncology nurses, hematology/oncology trainees, and pharmacists. It helps non-specialists and those in training recognize leukemia early, understand the disease's pathology and genetic basis, evaluate treatment options, and manage emergency and supportive care.