What is the difference between acute and chronic leukemia ?

Complicated question: There are many different subtypes of leukemia, but the basic difference is that acute leukemia is a proliferation of immature cells (blasts). Chronic leukemia is a proliferation of mature cells. Chronic leukemia usually has a longer survival, while acute leukemia can become immediately life threatening.

Curability: Acute leukemias typically need treatment right away and can possibly be cured. Chronic leukemias are not usually curable because they are typically slower growing. I tell patients chronic leukemias are treatable not curable. Hope this helps.