Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and 54% of new cases affect individuals in their productive years. Max Saráchaga, medical director of Amgen Mexico, highlighted that acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a blood cancer originating in the bone marrow, primarily affects children aged 2 to 5 years, although it can occur at any age.
Saráchaga emphasized significant advancements in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, mentioning an innovative treatment based on monoclonal antibodies recently approved by the FDA in the United States. This treatment targets CD19 cells to improve recovery rates in patients with refractory or relapsed leukemia. Studies show a high three-year survival rate for those treated with these antibodies in combination with chemotherapy.
The medical director noted that acute lymphoblastic leukemia has transitioned from being considered fatal to having a 70% survival rate at five years, highlighting the importance of early detection. It is crucial to be aware of symptoms such as recurrent infections, pallor, fatigue, frequent nosebleeds, bruising, among others.
In Mexico, the types of cancer with the highest mortality include colorectal, breast, lung, liver, and prostate cancer. Saráchaga emphasized the importance of raising awareness and supporting individuals affected by cancer, as well as continuing to improve treatments and survival rates. A higher incidence of this disease is observed in adults over 50 years old.
International Childhood Cancer Day, commemorated on February 15, aims to raise awareness among the population and provide support to patients and their families. Data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer reveals that in 2022, there were over 9.7 million cancer deaths worldwide, with more than 19.9 million new cases. In Mexico, around five thousand new cases of leukemia are reported annually in individuals under 19 years, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia being the most common in three out of every four diagnoses.
