Diagnosis, treatment, and nursing care of acute leukemia.
OBJECTIVE
To review the clinical presentation, current methods of diagnosis and classification, treatment modalities, and novel treatment approaches of acute myelogenous and lymphoblastic leukemia.


METHODS
Professional journals, web sites, and books.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of acute leukemia is increasing. As the population ages, it is anticipated that an even greater number will be diagnosed with this malignancy. The development of monoclonal antibodies, the recognition of the benefit of graft versus leukemia effect, and targeted therapies have improved overall survival rates. Still, age remains a significant prognostic variable. More research is needed to improve both the quality and the quantity of life for these patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses must understand the rationale and implications of each phase of treatment to educate patients, administer treatments, manage side effects, and provide support throughout the continuum of care.
Viele
Carol S
CS
Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000592:standards; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States