The Hutchinson Center pioneered and perfected one of the most effective treatments for leukemia: bone marrow transplantation. The Center is also making significant contributions to other forms of treatment for leukemia, including stem cell transplantation, immunotherapy and targeted drugs that seek out and destroy cancer cells. Because of this history of innovative research, the Center is considered one of the world's leading institutions in leukemia research.
Learn more about the Hutchinson Center’s groundbreaking research on the four major types of leukemia:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Acute myeloid leukemia is the most common type of leukemia in adults, although it also can occur in children. If untreated, this form of leukemia usually progresses quickly.
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
Chronic myeloid leukemia originates from the presence of a genetic abnormality in blood cells, called the Philadelphia chromosome, and progresses through distinct phases. CML occurs mainly in adults, but a very small number of children also develop this disease.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common type of leukemia in young children in developed countries, but it also affects adults, especially those ages 65 and older. ALL starts in the inner part of the bones, known as bone marrow, but often moves quickly into the blood.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia usually gets worse slowly. CLL is the second most common form of leukemia in adults and rarely occurs in children. More than half of people diagnosed with CLL are older than 70, and cases rarely occur in individuals younger than 40.
