WHOI – Healthbeat: Bone Marrow Blood Test

Posted by rob on March 28, 2005 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

March 28, 2005

Jen Christensen

Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood that leads to an uncontrolled accumulation of blood cells. The disease can be classified as acute or chronic. Acute leukemia progresses very rapidly. It causes the formation of blood cells that aren’t fully developed, and thus, are unable to perform their natural function. Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly. This slower rate allows a greater number of normal cells to develop. Acute and chronic leukemia can be further divided into acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, about 33,440 new cases of leukemia will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Acute lymphocytic leukemia accounts for about 3,830 cases of leukemia every year. It is the most common form of leukemia in children. Incidence is nine times higher in children one to four than in those 20 to 24. The other types of leukemia are most commonly diagnosed in late adulthood. About 11,920 cases of acute myelogenous leukemia are diagnosed annually. Annual incidence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is about 8,190 cases and for chronic myelogenous leukemia, about 4,600 cases.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. There are two main types: Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. The diseases are caused by an acquired genetic mutation causing excessive and uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes (specialized white blood cells).

About 62,250 cases of lymphoma will be diagnosed this year in the U.S. Roughly 7,880 cases are of Hodgkin lymphoma. It’s slightly more common in males than in females. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is slightly more common than Hodgkin lymphoma. About 54,370 cases will diagnosed this year. As with Hodgkin lymphoma, males are affected slightly more often than females.

Leukemia and Lymphoma: Testing and Follow-up

To confirm a diagnosis of leukemia and lymphoma, doctors need to take a sample of bone marrow, the soft, spongy tissue inside larger bones. Testing is also done periodically after diagnosis to follow the effects of treatment and potential progression of the disease.

The most common site for bone marrow testing is the hipbone (posterior iliac crest). The skin in the area is cleaned and the patient is given a local anesthetic. Once the area is anesthetized, a small incision is made into the skin. A sharp, hollow needle is inserted through the incision, then into the bone. One of two types of tests may be performed. A bone marrow aspirate uses a syringe to withdraw a small amount of liquid within the bone marrow. This test is used to determine what types and how many blood cells are present in the bone marrow. The second test is a bone marrow biopsy. A slightly larger needle is inserted through the same space. The needle is rotated to cut and obtain a small specimen of bone. The needle is withdrawn and the bone sample is removed for analysis. A bone marrow biopsy can be used to look at the structure of the bone marrow.

After bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, a bandage is placed over the site to control bleeding. Patients may experience some degree of pain and discomfort after the procedure. There is also a risk of persistent bleeding and infection.

A Bone Marrow Blood Test

Patients with leukemia and lymphoma may require frequent bone marrow testing. Despite its necessity, many patients dislike the procedure because they may experience significant discomfort or pain.

But the days of frequent bone marrow testing may soon be over. Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a blood test that may provide much of the information obtained from the traditional bone marrow test. The blood test looks for molecular signs of the cancer within the blood. Researchers will look for the presence of certain proteins expressed on the surface of tumor cells, namely CD20, CD33 and CD52. In addition, the test will screen blood plasma for evidence of RNA and DNA that are specifically linked to leukemia and lymphoma.

The new blood test may not entirely replace the need for bone marrow testing. Researchers are hopeful it will greatly reduce the need for patients to undergo the painful traditional method of testing. The blood test has been licensed to Quest Diagnostics, Inc. Researchers hope it could be available by the end of the year.

AUDIENCE INQUIRY

For information about the test:

Quest Diagostics® – http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=82068&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=665642&highlight=

For information on leukemia and lymphoma:

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org

WHOI – Healthbeat: Bone Marrow Blood Test