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Leukemia

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Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. As in all cancers, hematologic malignancies arise from cells that become abnormal and are produced in excessive amounts. The abnormal growth interferes with the body's production of healthy blood cells, thus making the body unable to protect itself against infections.

The hematology/oncology team at the University of Minnesota Medical Center - Fairview is internationally recognized for its innovative and comprehensive program of care. Many of the treatments now available to patients with hematologic malignancies were pioneered here at the University of Minnesota.

Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of blood cells. About 30,000 new cases of leukemia in the United States are reported each year. Most cases occur in older adults, though leukemia is the most common type of childhood cancer.

Leukemia is either acute or chronic. In acute leukemia, the abnormal blood cells remain immature and cannot carry out their normal functions. The number of these cells increases rapidly, and the disease gets worse quickly. In chronic leukemia, some abnormal cells are present, but in general, these cells are more mature and can carry out some of their normal functions. Also, the number of abnormal cells increases less rapidly than in acute leukemia. As a result, chronic leukemia worsens gradually.

Blood and Marrow Transplant

Veronika Bachanova, MD, PhD
Linda Burns, MD
Philip McGlave, MD
Jeffrey Miller, MD
Arne Slungaard, MD
Gregory Vercellotti, MD
Erica Warlick, MD
Daniel Weisdorf, MD

Hematology

Dale Hammerschmidt, MD

Hematology/Oncology

Getinet Ayalew, MD
Veronika Bachanova, MD, PhD
Linda Burns, MD
Yvonne Datta, MD
Milena Elimelakh, MD
Purvi Gada, MD
Dale Hammerschmidt, MD
Harry Jacob, MD
Philip McGlave, MD
Jeffrey Miller, MD
M. Obinna Nwaneri, MD
Bruce Peterson, MD
Mark Reding, MD
Arne Slungaard, MD
Gregory Vercellotti, MD
Erica Warlick, MD
Daniel Weisdorf, MD

Clinics:

Selected Health Articles

Complete Blood Count
Discharge Instructions for Bone Marrow Transplant
WBC Differential Count
What Is Leukemia?
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
White Blood Cell Count
What Is Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma?
Chemotherapy: Common Questions
Understanding Chemotherapy