What is acute leukemia
Acute leukemia is a serious Malignant disease of the hematopoietic system, during which immature (blast) cells accumulate in the bone marrow, displacing normal production of red blood cells, platelets, and mature white blood cells.
There are two main types:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) – occurs primarily in adults.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) – most often affects children and young people.
Without timely treatment, the disease progresses rapidly and requires immediate medical intervention.
Distribution and statistics
- According to data from Global Cancer Observatory (IARC) и World Health Organization (WHO), over 140,000 new cases are diagnosed annually on acute myeloid leukemia worldwide.
- For 2025, approximately 22,000 new cases of AML and over 11,000 deaths US only.
- In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) - approximately 6,000 new cases annually, of which approximately 60% are in children.
- In Bulgaria, approximately 350-400 new cases of leukemia per year, with acute cases accounting for more than 60%.
- The five-year survival rate for AML is around 30%, and at ALL, it reaches 80–90% in children and around 40–50% in adults.
- The average age at diagnosis for acute myeloid leukemia is 68 years, and in acute lymphoblastic — around 3 PM.
Latest treatment approaches
In 2025, leading international associationsEHA, NCCN, ESMO) updated their recommendations for the diagnosis and therapy of acute leukemia:
New diagnostic standards
- Genetic testing is now mandatory to determine the precise subtype and prognosis of the disease.
- Is being evaluated minimal residual disease (MRD-negativity) – an indicator that measures whether cancer cells remain in the body after treatment.
- New classification categories have been introduced, for example MDS/AML, for a more accurate risk assessment.
Modern Therapeutic Options
- Intensive chemotherapy – initial treatment aimed at achieving remission.
- Bone marrow transplantation – autologous or allogeneic, in patients with a suitable profile.
- Target therapy medications targeting specific genetic mutations.
- Immunotherapy and monoclonal antibodies – a new direction for resistant or relapsed forms.
- Maintenance therapy - infection control, anemia, and treatment side effects.
Acute leukemia treatment abroad
An increasing number of patients from Bulgaria are choosing treatment abroad, as innovative therapies, clinical trials, and modern transplant programs are more accessible in international centers.
- Turkey – leading accredited (JCI) hospitals with expertise in transplants and targeted therapy; access to CAR-T and gene-targeted drugs.
- Austria – specialized centers for bone marrow transplants and treatment of rare forms of leukemia.
- Spain – advanced clinical programs in immunotherapy and pediatric hematology.
The benefits of treatment abroad include:
• access to the latest medications and protocols;
• multidisciplinary approach – hematologist, oncologist, immunologist, transplant specialist;
• coordinated follow-up care after returning to Bulgaria.
What to consider when choosing a clinic
- International Accreditation (JCI, ISO, TEMOS).
- Qualified team.
- Access to targeted and immunotherapies.
- Individual post-treatment follow-up plan.
- Support and assistance from a coordinator "Medical Karaj" throughout the entire process.
Timely treatment saves lives
Acute leukemia develops rapidly and requires immediate start of therapy. Delay can lead to irreversible damage and lower treatment effectiveness.
With timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy, remission is achievable, and the quality of life is significantly improved.
Why trust Medical Karagea
- We assist with Medical treatment abroad – from initial inquiry to stay and follow-up.
- We are working with leading hematology and oncohematology centers in Turkey, Spain, and Austria.
- We provide assistance with logistics, hotel accommodation, and constant communication with the medical team.
- We assist with the coordination of follow-up therapy after returning to Bulgaria.
