How are leukemia and myeloma related?
Leukemia and myeloma are both characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells that have similar functions. Leukemia afflicts blood and bone marrow, while myeloma specifically targets a type of white blood “plasma” cells. These diseases are not inherited, but instead result from a genetic injury to the DNA of a cell, triggering abnormal growth that multiplies. Rapid spread of malignant cells interferes with production of healthy blood cells and weakens ability to protect against infections. Leukemia survival rates have more than tripled during the past four decades. The survival rate for children with acute lymphocytic leukemia—one of four forms of the disease — has reached 85 percent.
