Paediatrics: Childhood Leukaemia: Free MSRA Podcast

🧒🩸 Deep Dive: Leukaemia in Children – Paediatrics for the MSRA🎧 Get ready for a powerful revision session on childhood leukaemia – the most common cancer in kids. We unpack everything from types to treatment using focused MSRA notes.📌 What is it?• A cancer of the blood and bone marrow• 💥 Most common paediatric cancer – ~30% of all cases• Peak age: ~3 years in boys, ~2 years in girls📊 Types (HIGH-YIELD)1️⃣ ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia) – ~78%2️⃣ AML (Acute Myeloid Leukaemia) – ~15% (esp. in infants)3️⃣ CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia) – ~5%⚠️ CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia) – very rare in kids🧬 Genetics + Pathophysiology🔹 B-ALL: 🔄 Transcription factor mutations (PAX5, TCF3)🔹 T-ALL: 🔄 TCR translocations🔹 AML: CBF gene involvement🔹 CML: 🔥 BCR-ABL1 fusion = Philadelphia chromosome🧠 Understanding these mutations = smarter treatments like imatinib in CML⚠️ Risk Factors👶 Genetic syndromes:• Down syndrome (💥 x15 risk)• Fanconi anaemia• Ataxia telangiectasia• Bloom syndrome🌍 Environmental:• Ionising radiation (e.g., in utero X-rays)• Maternal infections💉 Previous chemo/radiotherapy🧬 Family history🩺 Clinical Features• Fatigue, infections, bruising• Bone pain, lymphadenopathy• Anaemia, thrombocytopenia• Blast cells on blood film = 🚨 ALERT🔍 Investigations✅ FBC + blood film✅ Bone marrow biopsy (gold standard)✅ Immunophenotyping + cytogenetics✅ Lumbar puncture (if CNS involvement)📊 Risk Stratification (Not staging)Based on:• Age• WCC, platelet count• Chromosomal findings• Liver/spleen size• Prior haematological disorders💊 Treatment🎯 ALL:• High-intensity chemo (central line)• Asparaginase = 💡 game-changer• Bone marrow transplant for high-risk🎯 AML:• Intensive chemo• Needs targeted therapy (many subtypes)🎯 CML:• Imatinib (TKI)• Stem cell transplant possible🧬 Support: G-CSF to boost white cells🚫 No immunisations during + 6 months post-treatment💥 Prognosis📈 Survival improved massively since 1970s• ALL: ~90% cure rate 🥳• AML: ~70% 5-year survival (but lower if high-risk)⚠️ Complications🩸 Early:• Tumour lysis syndrome• Neutropenic sepsis• Airway obstruction😷 During treatment:• Mucositis, bleeding, infections• Hepatic/renal toxicity🧠 Long-term:• Growth delay• Neurocognitive issues• Infertility, obesity• Secondary cancers• 💔 Cardiac failure (anthracyclines)📚 Useful MSRA Resources📝 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/leukaemia-in-children-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/leukaemia-in-children-flashcards/❓ Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/leukaemia-in-children-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/leukaemia-in-children-rapid-quiz/🧪 Quiz Bank:https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/leukaemia-in-children/🎓 Paediatrics Course:https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/paediatrics-for-the-msra/🌟 Takeaway:ALL is common and curable – but the journey is long. Know the genetics. Recognise red flags. Understand treatment & long-term effects.#MSRA #ChildhoodLeukaemia #MSRARevision #PaediatricsMSRA #MSRAQuiz #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQandA #LeukaemiaRevision #ALL #AML #CML #MSRA2025