TED-ED: What is leukemia? - Danilo Allegra and Dania Puggioni

Cancer is a complex group of over 100 diseases, with leukemia being the most common in children. Leukemia originates in bone marrow stem cells and affects blood cell production. It can arise quickly due to fewer DNA modifications needed. Treatments like chemotherapy target cancer cells but can harm healthy cells, necessitating bone marrow transplants. These transplants require donor compatibility, making donor databases crucial for successful matches.

What is the primary reason leukemia is difficult to treat?

• It only affects adults.

• It involves multiple types of cells and mutations.

• It can be easily removed surgically.

• It is a single disease with a simple cause.

Why is leukemia more common in children compared to other cancers?

• It often arises from one or two DNA changes.

• It is caused by a single type of cell mutation.

• It is primarily an adult disease.

• It requires many DNA modifications to develop.

What happens when leukemia cells overtake the bone marrow?

• The body produces more red blood cells.

• The immune system becomes stronger.

• The blood becomes depleted of functional cells.

• The bone marrow produces excess platelets.

What is a major challenge in bone marrow transplants for leukemia patients?

• The simplicity of the transplant process.

• The abundance of compatible donors.

• Finding a donor with compatible HLA types.

• The lack of need for antigen compatibility.

How does chemotherapy affect healthy cells?

• It has no effect on healthy cells.

• It can destroy healthy cells like those in hair follicles.

• It strengthens healthy cells.

• It only targets cancer cells.