Chemotherapy or chemo has always been a top treatment for leukemia. A cancer patient deserves the most potent treatment available. Chemo may be aggressive, but it is helpful. It often saves lives, especially when the cancer is still in its early stages. If you want to know more about chemotherapy, here are the details.
This treatment for leukemia involves the injection of anti-cancer drugs. The oncologist will give these drugs under the skin, into the CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), or into the patient’s vein. Some patients take chemo drugs by mouth to control or destroy cancer cells. These medications reach every inch of the body. That is why it is an effective treatment for leukemia.
A multidisciplinary team of doctors will work together. It will come up with the right custom-fit treatment plan using chemotherapy. The plan will also contain protocols for the chemo’s side effects. Treatment for leukemia will also need the help of a cancer care team. This team will work with the doctors and the patient during chemotherapy sessions.
The first treatment for leukemia is the basis for the success of the entire plan. Having the first doses in a facility for leukemia will increase the success rate. Asking the oncologist about unclear aspects of the treatment is important. Learning about the goals will result in realistic views.
Induction therapy is the first phase of treatment for leukemia. The goal is for the patient to have CR (complete remission). CR will happen when the patient’s leukemia has disappeared from the bone marrow sample. The blood counts are normal. The signs and symptoms have also disappeared.
Post-remission therapy happens after induction therapy. The oncologist will use different chemo drugs to destroy the remaining undetectable leukemia cells. It is always possible for cancer to recur if there is no treatment after the patient’s CR. Some patients may need stem cell transplantation during this phase.
Consolidation therapy can use stem cell transplantation or chemotherapy. Stem cell transplantation involves replacing the leukemia-filled bone marrow. Hematopoietic stem cells will replace the infected marrow. These cells will develop into healthy marrow. The oncologist will talk to the patient about the risks of stem cell transplantation. The healthy stem cells will come from a healthy, compatible donor.
Chemotherapy destroys all dividing cells, including healthy ones. The common collateral is the cells in the hair, intestines, bone marrow, and lining of the mouth. This treatment for leukemia may cause mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. There may also be fatigue, bruising, and bleeding. Infertility is also possible after the treatment.
Side effects depend on the type of chemo drug. Talking to the oncologist about the side effects of this treatment for leukemia will help the patient cope. Blood transfusions will help the body heal. Antibiotic therapy will help fight infection during chemotherapy.
Talking to an oncologist about what will happen during chemotherapy will help prepare you for what is coming. It can be stressful to think about and go through the treatment sessions. Proper support from family and friends will make the process easier. Chemotherapy may be aggressive, but it is an effective treatment for leukemia in its early stages.
Get more information about Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center in Marlton at https://lindenbergcancer.com.
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