Quantifying leukemia

Article Abstract:

The ability to cure patients with leukemia after they go into remission and then relapse depends on a number of factors. Leukemia is caused by abnormal and continued growth of cancerous white blood cells. Chemotherapy can reduce the number of cancer cells to a low level, and the patient is said to be in remission. However, residual cancer may still exist in the bone marrow. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to detect these cells but sophisticated techniques are required to detect very low levels. And it is not clear that patients with residual disease will benefit from additional treatment.

Editorial, Prognosis, Polymerase chain reaction, Leukemia

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Measurement of residual leukemia during remission in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Article Abstract:

Curing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) may not mean total eradication of all abnormal cells. Using extremely sensitive assays, researchers periodically assessed numbers of leukemic cells in the bone marrow of 24 ALL patients in first remission. Seven patients relapsed. Seventeen remained in remission over a 2- to 35-month period. Relapse was associated with a rise in the number of abnormal cells. However, no threshold could be found, and 15 of the 17 patients in continued remission have leukemic marrow cells. Based on the known relapse rate, only 1 of these 15 patients will relapse.

Care and treatment, Lymphocytic leukemia

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Adult stem cells for tissue repair -- a new therapeutic concept?

Article Abstract:

The use of adult stem cells for treating certain diseases is reviewed. Stem cells are immature cells that have the potential to develop into many different types of cells. Stem cells from bone marrow and blood appear to be capable of producing other mature cells in addition to blood cells. Research has shown that blood contains many stem cells that are specific for specific organs. These cells could be used to repair tissue damage.

Physiological aspects, Stem cells, Regeneration (Biology)

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