August 31, 2015
font size

Leukemia (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

What are complications of leukemia?


Other complications of leukemia relate to the specific type of leukemia. For example, in 3%-5% of cases of CLL, the cells change characteristics and transform into an aggressive lymphoma. This is known as a Richter transformation. Autoimmune hemolytic anemic, in the body attacks and destroys red blood cells, is another potential complication of CLL. People with CLL are also more likely to develop second cancers and other blood disorders and blood cancers.

Tumor lysis syndrome is a condition caused by the rapid death of cancer cells when treated. It can occur in almost any type of cancer, and it is seen with some cases of leukemia, particularly when large numbers of leukemia cells are present such as with AML or ALL. The rapid destruction of the leukemia cells leads to the release of large amounts of phosphate, which further causes metabolic abnormalities and can lead to kidney failure.


What is the prognosis of leukemia?


Modern treatments have led to a greater than fourfold increase since 1960 in five-year survival rates for leukemia. For the time period from 2004-2010, five-year survival rates for different types of leukemia were approximately...

CML: 60%

CLL: 84%

AML: 25% overall, 66% for children and teens younger than 15

ALL: 70% overall, 92% for children and teens younger than 15, and 93% for children younger than 5

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 5/8/2015


Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Use Pill Finder Find it Now See Interactions

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies

Interaction Checker

  • Check potential drug interactions
Search the Medical Dictionary for Health Definitions & Medical Abbreviations