• The exact cause is not known. Hereditary and environmental factors may play a role in developing the disease.
• The risk factors include:
• Mutations in the DNA are frequently a major cause.
• Sometimes chromosome translocation can also promote activation of oncogenes (the cancer inducing genes) and this can lead to disease progression.
• Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation can also induce cancer.

Treatment involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy and stem cell transplantation.

Medication

Chemotherapy: Depending on the type of leukemia, single or combinations of drugs may be required to destroy leukemia cells.

Methotrexate

Monoclonal antibodies: Biological or immune therapy uses treatments that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Rituximab

Targeted therapy drugs: Other treatment option includes targeted therapy, uses specific drug that targets only cancerous cells.

Imatinib