Leukemia: An Overview and Potential Causes

Leukemia is a malignant clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells, with its etiology remaining unclear. It may be associated with genetic, chemical, and viral factors, among others. The sudden onset of leukemia in a patient can be attributed to various reasons such as exposure to radioactive substances, viral infections, and immune dysfunction.

Potential Causes of Leukemia:

• Exposure to Radioactive Substances: Prolonged exposure to radioactive materials like X-rays and γ-rays can damage the bone marrow, thereby inducing leukemia.

• Viral Infections: Infections with viruses like EB virus and Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 can lead to a decline in immune function, predisposing individuals to leukemia.

• Immune Dysfunction: Immune system disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis can disrupt immune regulation, increasing the risk of developing leukemia.

• Other Causes: Long-term exposure to benzene and benzene-containing organic solvents like gasoline and paint can also trigger leukemia. Additionally, prolonged use of certain medications, including chloramphenicol and bimolane, may elevate the risk of developing leukemia.

Patients are advised to promptly consult a hematologist for diagnosis and treatment. Acute leukemia patients may undergo chemotherapy with medications like Vincristine Sulfate Injection and Daunorubicin Hydrochloride Injection as prescribed by their physicians. For chronic leukemia patients, targeted therapy with drugs like Imatinib Mesylate Tablets may be prescribed.