What is leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that occurs in bone marrow. It accelerates the formation of new cells and most of them are abnormal since they don’t mature in the right way. They also migrate very quickly via the bloodstream. Leukemia is of two major types – acute and chronic which depends on whether the cells are mature or immature.

Chronic leukemia - In this cancer condition, the blood cells mature partially but they survive longer than the normal cells. CML has three phases – As the number of blast cells in the blood increases, the number of healthy blood cells reduces which as a result increases the risk of getting infections.

• Chronic phase – less than 10% of the cells are blast cells.
• Accelerated phase – 10%– 19% of the cells are blast cells.
• Blastic phase – 20% or more cells are blast cells.

Symptoms 

• Pale skin
• Night sweats
• Enlarged spleen
• Shortness of breath 
• Weight loss 
• Extreme fatigue 
• Bone pain 
• Fever 
• Itching 
• Increase in bleeding
• Increased sweating at night

Tests that are used for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia –

• Blood chemistry studies 
• Bone marrow aspiration
• Cytogenetic analysis 
• FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization)
• RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction)

Treatment 

• Targeted therapy – taking medicines that attack specific targets like proteins, and growth factors. 
• Chemotherapy – 

1. Rituximab 
2. Imbruvica
3. Ibrutinib 
4. Venetoclax 

• Immunotherapy - makes use of the immune system and cells to fight off cancer such use of interferon.
• Stem cell transplant – done for replacing the blood-forming cells.
• Donor lymphocyte infusion – is usually preferred after stem cell transplant where the donor’s lymphocytes are preserved and frozen. They are then later injected into the patient.
• Surgery - Removal of spleen (splenectomy)

Dasanat 50mg tablet is used for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks several factors that are necessary for the growth of cancer cells.

Side effects of dasatinib

• Headache
• Mouth sores
• Rashes
• Vomiting 
• Constipation  
• Weight loss 
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling 
• Chest pain 
• Irregular heart rate 
• Fainting 
• Vision complications 
• Dry cough 
• Shortness of breath 
• Sore throat 
• Dark coloration of urine 
• Yellowing of skin and eyes 
• Seizures 
• Muscle cramps

Although Dasatinib tablets 50 mg price is high it is advisable to purchase them from Magicine Pharma at a reasonable price as they provide various discounts with their medications.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q - From where can I purchase the medications for CML?

Ans - Although the price of medications of CML is high you can purchase it from Magicine Pharma at an affordable price.

Q – What medicines to take after diagnosis with leukemia?

Ans – it is advisable to follow the treatment plan given by the cancer specialist and not take any other medication.