Understanding Leukemia Treatment: What Are the Options?

Oncologists offer several leukemia treatment options to help manage the condition or achieve long-term remission. Understanding the most common treatments can provide clarity on what to expect. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your or your loved one's health.

Types of leukemia 

Leukemia is a blood and bone marrow cancer affecting how the body produces white blood cells. There are four main types of leukemia:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A fast-growing leukemia that primarily affects children but can also occur in adults
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A rapidly progressing leukemia that is more common in older adults
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A slower-growing leukemia that mostly affects older adults
• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). A slow-developing leukemia that can change into a more aggressive form over time

Common leukemia treatment options

Leukemia treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. An oncologist will consider whether the leukemia is slow or fast-growing, as well as the patient's age, overall health, and other factors when developing a treatment plan. Here are five common leukemia treatments:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. Depending on the type and stage of leukemia, it can be administered through pills, injections, or an intravenous (IV) drip.

Some patients may receive chemotherapy as a leukemia treatment in cycles, with breaks in between to allow the body to recover. While chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells, it also affects healthy cells, which can lead to side effects like nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and a weakened immune system. However, medications and supportive care can help manage these side effects.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically attack cancer cells, causing less harm to normal cells than chemotherapy. This leukemia treatment focuses on blocking the signals that help cancer cells grow and multiply.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a class of drugs designed to recognize and attack leukemia cells without damaging healthy cells. Another class of drugs, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), are used for chronic myeloid leukemia to block proteins that promote cancer cell growth.

Since targeted therapy is more precise, it often results in fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. However, some patients may still experience fatigue, nausea, or liver problems.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and destroy leukemia cells and is an option for some patients who do not respond well to chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Types of immunotherapy include checkpoint inhibitors that help the immune system detect leukemia cells more easily and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, a newer treatment that modifies a patient's T cells to attack cancer cells. Side effects of immunotherapy as a leukemia treatment include flu-like symptoms, inflammation, and other immune-related complications.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy leukemia cells in specific areas of the body. It is not a common first-line treatment for leukemia but may be used in specific situations, such as:

• Treating leukemia that has spread to the brain or spinal cord
• Reducing the size of the spleen if it is enlarged
• Preparing a patient for a stem cell transplant

Radiation therapy can cause fatigue, skin irritation, and nausea, but these effects are usually temporary.

Stem cell transplants

A stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant, replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This procedure is often used when other leukemia treatments have not been effective or when a patient has a high risk of relapse. The first step in the process is high-dose chemo or radiation to eliminate cancer cells in bone marrow. The second step is the stem cell infusion, where healthy stem cells from a donor or the patient are introduced to restore normal blood cell production. Though stem cell transplants can be highly effective, they have a long recovery and may involve risks such as infections, graft vs. host disease (GvHD), or organ damage.

Long-term support and lifestyle adjustments for leukemia

Leukemia treatment can be challenging, but support from family, friends, and healthcare providers can make a difference. Patients may need to make lifestyle changes, such as:

• Eating a balanced diet to maintain strength and energy
• Getting regular exercise to boost overall well-being
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling

Support groups and counseling services can also help patients cope with the emotional and mental challenges of leukemia.

Taking the next step in leukemia treatment

Understanding leukemia treatment options is an essential step in making informed healthcare decisions. With advancements in medical science, many treatment options are available to help manage or put leukemia into remission. By working closely with an oncologist and other health providers, patients can find the best treatment approach for their specific type of leukemia. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with leukemia, contact our Marlton team for expert guidance.

Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.

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