QUESTION Leukemia cells and the immune system: mechanisms of interaction

QUESTION Leukemia cells and the immune system: mechanisms of interaction

LEUKEMIA CELLS AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: MECHANISMS OF INTERACTION

ANSWER

Leukemia cells are a type of cancer that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that work together to keep the body safe from infection and disease.

The immune system has two main types of cells: B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes (also known as helper T-cells). Both types of cells play an important role in fighting bacterial infections, but they also help recognize and fight cancerous cells.

In the case of leukemia, B-lymphocytes develop into malignant (cancerous) white blood cells called leukemic blasts. These blasts can then cause damage to other parts of the body, including bone marrow, lymph nodes and other organs.

The process by which leukemia causes this damage is called lymphadenopathy (lymph swelling). The swelling occurs because leukemic blasts release chemicals that cause inflammation in nearby tissues such as skin, lungs and intestines.

The primary way to treat leukemia is through chemotherapy—medication that kills leukemia cells while leaving healthy ones unharmed.