Leukaemia update. Part 1: diagnosis and management

SUMMARY POINTS Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is the most common leukaemia in adults Patients with acute leukaemia can deteriorate rapidly—urgent discussion with a haematologist is recommended if acute leukaemia is suspected Risk is best stratified according to the genetic abnormalities of the leukaemia Diagnosis of leukaemia requires a multidisciplinary approach Most chronic leukaemias are not curable but can be treated with non-intensive chemotherapy Acute leukaemias are curable if patients are fit enough for intensive chemotherapy; palliation is indicated for frail patients