"Can Long-Term Medication Cause Leukemia?"
Prolonged medication use generally does not lead to leukemia. Clinically, long-term medication use is primarily observed in patients with chronic leukemia, which is also known as a bone marrow proliferative tumor. Its etiology remains unclear but may be associated with genetic factors, environmental factors, and chromosomal alterations.
Causes of Chronic Leukemia:
1. Genetic Factors: Genetic variations in chromosome karyotypes and chromosome genes can lead to the onset of the disease, particularly in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, where mutations in genes such as K8/L5, BCR/ABL1, and chromosome 9q23 are frequently observed.
2. Environmental Factors: Exposure to benzene and benzene-containing organic solvents, smoking, and ionizing radiation over years are risk factors for leukemia. Individuals in certain occupations, such as steel mills and paint factories, may also have an increased risk due to prolonged exposure to organic solvents.
3. Chromosomal Alterations: This refers to changes in chromosomal genes during meiosis, leading to the development of leukemia. Long-term use of anticancer drugs like methotrexate and cyclophosphamide may cause chromosomal abnormalities, potentially triggering leukemia.
4. Other Causes: Factors such as immune dysfunction, viral infections, and exposure to radioactive substances can all impair immune function or cause damage, thereby increasing the risk of leukemia.
Recommendations:
Regular health check-ups are advised to monitor one's health status. Early detection and treatment are crucial in case of abnormalities. Additionally, avoiding exposure to toxic and harmful environments and substances is recommended to prevent damage to the body and reduce the risk of leukemia.
