Startling statistics reveal that certain genetic abnormalities, like the FLT3-ITD mutation, can increase the risk of relapse and poorer treatment outcomes in leukemia patients.
What is the link between genetics and leukemia?
Genetics plays a significant role in the development and progression of leukemia.
If you have genetic abnormalities or mutations, there will be an increased risk of developing leukemia and the abnormalities may further affect your treatment outcomes.
Inherited genetic factors, such as specific gene variations, can also contribute to the susceptibility of developing this blood cancer.
Let us understand whether leukemia is genetic or hereditary.
Is leukemia hereditary?
Leukemia can have genetic factors that contribute to its development. While your case of leukemia may be not hereditary, certain genetic disorders and inherited gene mutations can increase the risk of developing leukemia. If you have leukemia in your family, then there is an increased risk of developing the disease, but it may not affect you with absolute certainty.
Here are some key points regarding the genetic factors associated with leukemia.
Genetic Disorders
Certain genetic disorders are associated with an increased risk of developing leukemia. These include Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Fanconi anemia, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, Bloom syndrome, Familial Platelet Disorder syndrome, and germline mutations (mutations in sex chromosomes) in genes such as GATA2, ETV6, CEBPA, and RUNX1 1.
Family History
Having a family history of leukemia, especially if your first-degree relative has chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or if there is an identical twin with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), then the risk of developing the disease increases.
Previous Cancer Treatment
If you have received certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other cancers, you have an increased risk of developing leukemia because of mutations acquired due to chemo and radiotherapy.
Curability of Childhood Leukemia
Childhood leukemia has seen significant advancements in treatment over the years, leading to improved outcomes and high curability rates. The specific curability of childhood leukemia depends on various factors, including the type of leukemia, and the age of the child,
Here are some important points regarding the curability of childhood leukemia.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common type of leukemia in children. The 5-year survival rate for children with ALL has greatly increased and is now about 90%.
Advances in chemotherapy protocols, supportive care, and targeted therapies have contributed to this high curability rate.
Treatment Approaches
The main treatment for most childhood leukemias, including ALL, is chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill leukemia cells and achieve remission. In some cases, high-dose chemotherapy may be given, along with other treatments like radiation therapy or stem cell transplantation, depending on the risk factors and response to initial treatment.
Risk Stratification
Children with leukemia are often stratified into different risk groups based on various factors, such as age, white blood cell count, genetic abnormalities, and response to initial treatment.
If your child falls in the high-risk category, there is a higher chance of relapse even after the initial remission of cancer.
For the optimal result, there are different phases for childhood leukemia treatment.
Curability of Adult Leukemia
The curability of adult leukemia depends on several factors, including the type of leukemia, and response to treatment. Curability may vary from patient to patient, but the treatment of adult leukemia has drastically improved.
Here are some major points regarding the curability of adult leukemia:
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is less common in adults than in children, but treatment options have improved over time. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), nearly 90% of adults diagnosed with ALL achieve complete remission, where leukemia cells can no longer be seen in the bone marrow.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Acute myeloid leukemia is more common in adults and has various subtypes. The treatment approach for AML depends on factors such as age, overall health, and genetic characteristics. The NCI states that treatment options for AML include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and stem cell transplantation.
The prognosis for AML varies depending on several factors, including the subtype of AML and response to treatment.
AML with multilineage dysplasia generally has a poor prognosis, with a lower rate of complete remission compared to other AML subtypes. Moreover, if you have certain genetic mutations like FLT3-ITD mutation, you may suffer from a worse prognosis.
Treatment Approaches
The treatment of adult leukemia typically involves chemotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy, and, in some cases, stem cell transplantation. The specific treatment plan is determined based on factors such as the type and subtype of leukemia, and risk factors.
Risk factors for Adult Leukemia
Advanced age is often considered a poor prognostic factor in adult leukemia. Older adults may have a higher risk of treatment-related complications and may not tolerate intensive therapies as well as younger patients.
Other factors include:
Disease Stage and Progression
The stage and extent of the disease at diagnosis can influence treatment outcomes. Advanced stages of leukemia or cases with rapid disease progression may be associated with a poorer prognosis.
Response to Initial Treatment
The response to initial treatment is a crucial factor in predicting outcomes. If you do not achieve complete remission or have a poor response to initial therapy, you may have a higher risk of relapse and poorer overall outcomes.
Role of MedicoExperts in Treating Leukemia
MedicoExperts is a healthcare organization that provides medical consultation and facilitates treatment options for various conditions, including leukemia. While the specific role of MedicoExperts in treating leukemia may vary, they aim to connect patients with specialized oncologists, cutting-edge cancer hospitals, and affordable treatment options in India.
The organization helps the patients in the following ways
Treatment Facilitation
MedicoExperts assists patients in finding the best treatment options for blood cancer, including leukemia, in India. They provide information about trained oncologists, advanced cancer hospitals, and affordable treatment costs compared to other countries.
Stem Cell Transplantation
MedicoExperts is involved in promoting stem cell transplantation as a treatment option for leukemia. While stem cell transplantation has potential applications in leukemia treatment, its specific role in leukemia management may vary depending on individual cases and treatment protocols.
Conclusion
Genetic factors can play a role in certain types of leukemia, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but environmental factors and random genetic mutations can also contribute to the development of the disease.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that having a family history of leukemia doesn’t necessarily mean that you will develop the disease. On the other hand, not having a family history doesn’t guarantee that you won’t develop leukemia. It’s a complex condition influenced by numerous factors.
If you have concerns about the hereditary aspect of leukemia, it’s best to consult with
MedicoExpert’s healthcare professionals or a genetic counselor from MedicoExperts. They can evaluate your family history, assess your risk factors, and provide guidance on appropriate screening or preventive measures.
FAQ :
Q1. Does leukemia run in the family?
Leukemia can occur in multiple members of the same family due to inherited genetic mutations. But it is not a hereditary disease.
Q2. Will I get leukemia if my father has it?
There is a slight increase in the risk of developing leukemia if your father has it.
Q3. Who is most at risk for leukemia?
Individuals with certain genetic disorders like Down Syndrome are at a greater risk of developing leukemia.
Written by Dr Subhamoy Mukherjee, Ph.D. (Oncology).
Dr Subhamoy is a molecular oncologist and worked with genomic profiles of patients. He has 8 years of experience in scientific writing and patient data analysis. He takes strong interest in making people aware of the different diagnostic and treatment approaches of cancer through his informative articles and blogs.
