The causes of leukemia have baffled scientists for decades as they sought to understand what drives this mysterious disease. While the exact triggers often remain unclear, research has uncovered some concerning factors. These factors appear to increase the risk of developing certain forms of this dangerous cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
From environmental toxins and genetics to prior medical therapies, let’s explore some of the primary causes scientists have linked to heightened leukemia rates.
What Is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer characterized by an abnormal increase in white blood cells. The overproduction of these cells crowds out other important blood components like red blood cells and platelets. Unlike healthy white blood cells, the extra white blood cells in leukemia do not function properly.
Leukemia is more common in older adults over 55 years old but also affects many children under 15, making it a leading cancer in younger patients. Another related blood cancer is lymphoma, which also involves white blood cells. Due to some similarities, doctors often refer to leukemia and lymphoma as “cousins.”
Both conditions result from the irregular development of certain blood cells. However, in the lymphoma, abnormal cells congregate and form tumors within the lymphatic system. In leukemia, the atypical cells remain circulating in the bloodstream throughout the body.
What Can Cause Leukemia?
Groundwater Contamination
Recent studies have revealed a concerning link between groundwater contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and various forms of cancer development.
According to TorHoerman Law, drinking water sources at Camp Lejeune and the adjacent Marine Corps Air Station New River were contaminated for decades. The contamination involved dangerous toxic substances and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Specifically, the contaminants included tetrachloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), vinyl chloride, benzene, and over 70 other chemicals. These leaked into the Camp Lejeune water supply for extended periods at uncontrolled levels.
The long-term health effects have been profoundly troubling, with victims suffering illnesses like leukemia and connecting the contamination to their conditions. As a result of exposure, many have pursued legal action seeking compensation. Camp Lejeune settlement amounts vary significantly depending on the merits and severity of each case.
Compensations have ranged from $10,000 up to over $1,000,000 in the most severe instances where a direct linkage between contaminants and health problems can be demonstrated. The full repercussions of this environmental disaster are still coming to light through medical research and litigation.
Exposure to Certain Chemicals
Research has associated exposure to some industrial chemicals with increased risks of developing certain types of leukemia. For instance, contact with benzene has been connected to a higher likelihood of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Benzene may also contribute to acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) risk. This chemical is used in industries like rubber manufacturing, oil refining, and chemical production.
It can be present in cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, cleaning products, art supplies, and paints that are widely used. Additionally, exposure to Agent Orange, a herbicide sprayed during the Vietnam War, has been tied to greater odds of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
History of Radiation or Chemotherapy
A person’s history of radiation therapy or chemotherapy can sometimes be linked to later development of leukemia. Both radiation and many chemotherapeutic drugs are known to cause mutations or changes to a cell’s DNA that may manifest as cancer down the line.
Specifically, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been associated with prior treatments for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia. Additionally, it has been linked to other cancers, such as breast and ovarian.
The toxic therapies used to fight the original disease may unintentionally disrupt DNA in a way that leads to leukemogenic mutations over time.
Rare Congenital Diseases
Some individuals have an elevated risk of developing AML or ALL due to certain uncommon genetic conditions present from birth. For instance, people with Down syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia, and Bloom syndrome display a heightened likelihood of acquiring acute leukemias.
What Are the Potential Treatments Available to Beat Leukemia?
Bone Marrow Transplantation
A bone marrow transplant (BMT), also known as a hematopoietic stem cell transplant, helps remove leukemia cells from the bone marrow. During the process, healthy bone marrow cells are introduced to replace the diseased ones. Donor cells can come from either the patient (autologous transplant) or a donor individual (allogeneic transplant).
Prior to transplantation, high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy is administered to eliminate the existing unhealthy bone marrow. Then, the new cells are infused intravenously while the patient is conscious, requiring no surgery. The replacement cells engraft in the bone marrow and begin generating healthy blood and immune system components.
Patients typically remain in the hospital for several weeks after the BMT as doctors monitor their recovery and response.
Surgery
In most cases of leukemia, surgery is not a viable treatment option since the cancerous cells can circulate systemically through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. However, for some manifestations like chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), removing diseased organs may provide benefits.
Specifically, if CLL has spread to the spleen, causing it to destroy blood cell components, a splenectomy or spleen removal procedure may be recommended. The spleen helps filter the blood and combat infections, but an enlarged leukemic spleen can over-destruct healthy red blood cells and platelets.
Drug Therapies
Several drug therapies beyond chemotherapy may be options to treat leukemia. Targeted therapies work by homing in on specific proteins or genetic alterations unique to cancer cells and not regular cells.
Also known as biological therapies or immunotherapies, targeted treatments can include the drugs rituximab and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Rituximab and TKIs represent some targeted therapy choices for leukemia patients, though other targeted options may exist as well.
FAQs
1. What are the three main symptoms of leukemia?
A: The primary symptoms include fatigue and/or anemia (characterized by a pale complexion, weakness, and breathlessness). Further symptoms of recurrent infections include sore throats, mouth sores, fevers, sweats, coughing, irritability, frequent urination, infected cuts and scratches, and boils.
2. Can lifestyle factors cause leukemia?
A: Long-term exposure to high levels of solvents like benzene, often found in the workplace, is a known risk factor. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may also be associated with exposure to Agent Orange, a chemical widely used during the Vietnam War, as well as smoking. Cigarettes contain numerous cancer-causing chemicals.
3. Can individuals live 20 years with leukemia?
A: Most people live for approximately ten years, although this can vary depending on the behavior of CLL. Without therapy, those in phases 0 to II may live for five to twenty years. CLL has a notably high incidence rate among individuals over 60 years old, and it affects men more frequently than women.
While scientific advancements have deepened our understanding of leukemia’s causes, this complex disease still holds many mysteries. Perhaps by continuing innovative research focused on prevention, care, and compassion for all affected, we can work toward a future with less suffering.
