Leukemia is a broad-spectrum disease that comprises various types of blood cancers. Chronic eosinophilic leukemia is one of its types. Eosinophils are the subcategory of white blood cells involved in the body’s defense mechanism to ward off infections and destroy foreign particles. In eosinophilic leukemia, the eosinophils levels are elevated due to genetic mutation. However, there are various causes for gene mutation, and one of the significant factors includes environmental factors and radiation exposure. In chronic eosinophilic leukemia, there is an excessive accumulation of eosinophils in the bone marrow which tends to cause organ damage. It has been identified that eosinophilic leukemia is more common in men than women.
Eosinophilic leukemia is also addressed as myeloproliferative neoplasm, a condition with excessive blood cell production. It is a rare type of blood cancer that affects people in the 20-50 years age group, yet they are common in children and elderly persons. They are usually presented with non-specific symptoms. People affected with eosinophilic leukemia may experience certain signs and symptoms that include fever, night sweats, muscle pain, dramatic weight loss, breathlessness, severe cough, and persistent fatigue.
If the eosinophilic leukemia is left untreated, it may gradually progress into acute myelogenous leukemia. It has been projected that the survival rates for people affected with chronic eosinophilic leukemia range between 1 and 5 years. Chronic eosinophilic leukemia will be diagnosed based on the test reports of complete blood count, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging studies to identify any organ damage.
However, cancer therapy varies from individual based on the condition and stages. The treatment options for chronic eosinophilic leukemia involve chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. With the up-gradation of cancer targeted therapy, oncologists recommend targeted drug therapy that inhibits specific genes responsible for triggering the leukemia cells.
Imatinib is a drug that has been used predominantly in the treatment of chronic eosinophilic leukemia. Imatinib produces its action by blocking the production and function of tyrosine kinase enzymes, which is involved in the cell division of blood cells. Thus, it produces signals to prevent the cell division of abnormal white blood cells and stops the further development of malignant cells. In addition to this, Imatinib has another role in ceasing the FIP1 platelet growth factor that plays a vital role in developing abnormal eosinophils.
Veenat is one such product that consists of Imatinib, it is available as a Veenat 100mg and Veenat 400mg Tablet. Veenat is not only used in the treatment of chronic eosinophilic leukaemia, it is also used in treating stomach cancer (gastrointestinal stromal tumours), skin cancer and myeloid leukemia. However, consult your doctor about the dose and the duration of use. If you have been diagnosed with chronic eosinophilic leukemia recently, discuss it with your doctor, and they will develop a tailor-made treatment plan to alleviate the condition.
