Acute Erythroblastic Leukemia (AEL) is a rare and aggressive type of blood cancer characterized by the uncontrolled production of immature red blood cells in the bone marrow. It belongs to a group of diseases known as acute myeloid leukemias (AML), which involve abnormal growth and accumulation of myeloid cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. AEL specifically affects the precursors of red blood cells, called erythroblasts.
In Acute Erythroblastic Leukemia, there is a disruption in the normal development of erythroblasts, leading to the rapid accumulation of abnormal and immature red blood cells. These erythroblasts fail to mature properly and do not function as normal red blood cells. The excessive buildup of these abnormal cells prevents the production of healthy red blood cells, which are vital for oxygen transportation, resulting in anemia.
Common symptoms of AEL include fatigue, weakness, paleness, shortness of breath, increased susceptibility to infections, and easy bruising or bleeding. The exact cause of AEL is unknown, but certain risk factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, genetic abnormalities, and previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment, may increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
The diagnosis of Acute Erythroblastic Leukemia involves a thorough evaluation of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and genetic testing. Treatment options primarily include chemotherapy, which aims to eliminate cancer cells and restore normal blood cell production. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary to replace the diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
The prognosis for Acute Erythroblastic Leukemia varies depending on various factors, including age, overall health
