Leukaemia

Precision Oncology for Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow, leading to the production of abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly. Precision oncology and genomic profiling help identify disease subtypes and guide personalized treatment strategies for improved outcomes.

Early Detection
Precision Medicine
Better Outcomes
Leukaemia

What is Leukaemia?

Leukaemia is a blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow and results in the production of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal cells cannot effectively fight infections and interfere with the production of healthy blood cells.

Molecular diagnostics and genomic profiling help classify leukaemia into different subtypes and enable precision treatment approaches.

Blood and bone marrow cancer
Affects white blood cells
Precision medicine improves treatment selection

Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Fever or night sweats
  • Frequent infections
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Bone pain or tenderness
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Enlarged liver or spleen
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Petechiae (tiny red or purple skin spots)

Risk Factors

  • Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Smoking
  • Exposure to benzene or formaldehyde
  • Down syndrome
  • Family history of leukaemia
Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Accurate diagnosis helps determine the type of leukaemia and guides individualized treatment planning.

Diagnosis

1
Physical Examination

Assessment for swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen.

2
Blood Tests

Complete blood count and other laboratory investigations.

3
Bone Marrow Biopsy

Bone marrow sample from the hipbone confirms leukaemia.

4
Imaging

Chest X-ray, CT scan or MRI when indicated.

5
Lumbar Puncture

Spinal fluid examination when central nervous system involvement is suspected.

Treatment Options

Chemotherapy

Uses medicines to destroy cancer cells.

Radiotherapy

High-energy radiation destroys cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Targets specific abnormalities in cancer cells.

Immunotherapy

Helps the immune system attack cancer cells.

Bone Marrow Transplant

Replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells.

Childhood Leukaemia

Leukaemia accounts for approximately 30% of all childhood cancers in Malaysia are leukaemia.

5-Year Relative Survival

56.4%

Childhood Leukaemia

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Leukaemia mainly affects the bone marrow and blood, whereas lymphoma primarily affects the lymphatic system.

ALL – Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia.

AML – Acute Myelogenous Leukaemia.

CLL – Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia.

CML – Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia.

Some acute forms of leukaemia can be cured when diagnosed and treated early. Chronic leukaemias can often be effectively controlled for many years using modern therapies.
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