This article has been peer reviewed and approved by Michael Fisher, MD, Professor of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Review date: December 2009.
Drs. Aguilera, Zarraga, and Rosen report no conflict of interest. The authors report no discussion of off-label use. Dr. Fisher reports no conflict of interest. The staff of CCME of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Cutis® have no conflicts of interest with commercial interest related directly or indirectly to this educational activity. Dr. Aguilera is Assistant Clinical Professor, Wellington Regional Medical Center, Florida, and Medical Director, Shino Bay Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Institute, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Zarraga was a medical student, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, and currently is Chief Intern, Palmetto General Hospital, Hialeah, Florida. Dr. Rosen is a private practitioner, Dermpath Diagnostics, Pompano Beach, Florida.
Shino Bay Aguilera, DO; Matthew Zarraga, DO; Les Rosen, MD
Leukemia cutis is an infiltration of malignant neoplastic leukocytes or their precursors into the epidermis, dermis, or subcutis. These neoplastic cells are derived from abnormal leukocytes in the bone marrow where maturation aberrations occur. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is the second most common cause of leukemia cutis and the most common leukemia among adults. In the elderly population, AML presents a challenge to the medical community because of the number of preexisting comorbid conditions and the safety profile of useful chemotherapeutic agents.
