Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia
Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia is a disease in which too many eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) are found in the bone marrow, blood, and other tissues. Chronic eosinophilic leukemia may stay the same for many years, or it may progress quickly to acute leukemia. It belongs to a group of diseases called Myeloproliferative disorders in which the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
The type of myeloproliferative disorder is based on whether too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets are being made. Sometimes the body will make too many of more than one type of blood cell, but usually one type of blood cell is affected more than the others are. Chronic myeloproliferative disorders include the following 6 types.
Tests that examine the blood and bone marrow are used to detect (find) and diagnose chronic myeloproliferative disorders. The following tests and procedures may be used: a) Physical exam and history; b) Complete blood count (CBC); c) Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy; d) Cytogenetic analysis.
Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL)
Our body's white blood cells combat foreign intruders (such as viruses and bacteria). However, in chronic leukemia, the cells in the bone marrow that should develop into white blood cells multiply uncontrollably. These blood cells do not function properly, jeopardizing the production of normal blood cells. Among other consequences, this makes patients more susceptible to infections. Chronic leukemia appears in several forms - in CEL, a rare form of leukemia, the excessive increase of eosinophils (a certain type of white blood cell) can cause tissue damage in the heart, the skin, and the central nervous system. Under normal circumstances, our body regulates the production of white blood cells very precisely by means of a targeted activation of tyrosine kinases, which start this production. But sometimes defects in the DNA cause these tyrosine kinases to be active continuously, giving rise to diseases like leukemia. In the fight against CEL (and other forms of leukemia), scientists use proteins that inhibit the tyrosine kinases. Glivec is such an inhibitor and is effective against CEL because it specifically inhibits the activity of FIP1L1-PDGFRá.
People with Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia (CEL), are treated with Glivec. However, recent research has shown that prolonged usage can cause resistance to Glivec, rendering this chronic form of leukemia untreatable. New research indicates that, to be able to treat certain forms of leukemia (like CEL) effectively over a long period of time, several inhibitors must be used, including Sorafenib.[2]
SIGNS
In dogs and cats the disease is rare. The signs of eosinophilic leukemia usually include diarrhea and vomiting. Affected animals usually die within 6 months after the diagnosis, but chemotherapy may prolong survival.
Adapted from
1. General Information About Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders. National Cancer Institute
2. VIB, Flanders Interuniversity Institute of Biotechnology (2006, May 16). New Treatment For Specific Type Of Leukemia. ScienceDaily.
3. Mary Anna Thrall. Veterinary Hematology and Clinical Chemistry, Page 170
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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