Early discoveries of Leukemia
Leukemia has been known to be around for years but our scientific knowledge has been limited until recently and we have been unable to fully investigate this disease. In early investigations into blood cells, white blood cells and red blood cells have been distinguished however their roles have been unknown. Scientists did not understand the role of the immune system and as a result more disease and germs were contracted. In the 18th century, reports had been made of people with as we now know to be Leukemia symptoms. There were cases such as fevers, weight loss and unusual cases of increased white blood cells. Scientists defined this as “white blood” which developed into “leukemia”.
Development of research into Leukemia
A scientist named Paul Ehrlich was a key figure in the development of Leukemia research. He developed a stain that allowed scientists to fully investigate the properties of blood. Ehrlich’s research enabled new types of Leukemia to be found by looking at the different types of blood cells. Lymphocytic Leukemia was able to be distinguished from myeloid leukemia from the differing cells and scientists were now able to establish acute from chronic Leukemia.
Early treatments for Leukemia
Treatments for Leukemia did not develop until the late 19 th century, it was difficult for treatments to be developed due to lack of technical resources during this time. However, in the 19th century, progress was made and the X ray was used to treat Leukemia. Scientists found that the radiation helped to reduce the spread of the cancerous white blood cells but this was not an effective treatment and the disease would always return. A drug was able to be developed to treat Leukemia due to world war 1 a gas from a weapon was found to have effects on suppressing blood cells. This was called ‘nitrogen mustards’’ and influenced the development of chemotherapy drugs. Bone marrow and stem cell transplants were developed in the middle of the 20 th century and found that damaged, cancerous bone marrow could be replaced by new, healthy ones from donors with the same bone marrow match. Without this close match in bone marrow type, the transplant would fail and could lead to a dangerous disease called graft-versus-host disease which could lead to infection.
However, it is this research that has led to the development of new and more scientifically precise treatments for Leukemia.
Modern advancements made in the treatments of Leukemia
In the UK, Leukemia clinical trials have been developed to help find the best possible ways of treating Leukemia and help develop further research and understanding into Leukemia treatments. The patient is offered different types of treatment for Leukemia by a care team in order to see the effectiveness of the treatments. Patients have undergone these trials and found new, effective treatments. Modern treatments that have been developed are more intense chemotherapy, new drugs for chemotherapy have been established like arsenic trioxide and safer bone marrow transplants have been used.