LeukemiaLeukemia is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow. The bone marrow is where platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells (leukocytes) are produced. (Medical Journal Dictionary) Leukemia is caused by the rapid production (proliferation) of white blood cells and causes a buildup that inhibits the functioning of red blood cells and platelets and prevents other white blood cells from fighting infections. Due to the abnormally rapid production, these cells are unable to mature or develop properly and are unable to carry out their functions. (Almeida & Barry, 2010) There are four main types of leukemia, each classified according to how quickly the disease develops and the type of white blood cells affected; Acute is a rapid development of leukemia and chronic is a more gradual development of the disease. The other two classifications of leukemia are determined by the type of white blood cells affected; Lymphocytic (affecting lymphocytes) and Myeloid (affecting myelocytes). This gives us four types of leukemia; Chronic myeloid leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia (peak prevalence between 2 and 9 years). (Almeida & Barry, 2010)TreatmentsNew treatments are discovered every year and are constantly being improved. Treatment for leukemia depends on the patient's age, the type of leukemia, and where the cancer cells were found. Treatment for Acute Leukemia: Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) What happens in a BMT is that the bone marrow cells are exposed to very high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to destroy them. Once the cells die and no longer reproduce, new healthy bone marrow is administered intravenously from another compatible human… middle of the paper… eukemia. The Lancet. (2008). Pp 1030-1043. Leukemia (continued) Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/leukemia/page6.htm#6howisThe National Cancer Institute (07/15/2011) Overview of Treatment Options. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/CLL/Patient/page4#Keypoint16Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Treatments for leukemia: immunotherapy/targeted drug therapy. Retrieved from http://www.cancercenter.com/leukemia/immunotherapy targeting-drug-therapy.cfmWhat is the goal of treating indolent B-cell NHL? Retrieved from: http://www.treanda.com/NHL/PAT/NHL_PAT_NHL_Treatment.aspxLeukemia Management, 01/04/2011. Retrieved from: http://www.everydayhealth.com/leukemia/leukemia-management.aspx Say no to leukemia night sweats, 04/01/2011. Retrieved from: http://www.everydayhealth.com/leukemia/say-no-to-leukemia-night-sweats.aspx