Treatment will depend on the type of leukemia you have, the cells characteristics, the extent of disease, past treatments, your symptoms, and your overall health. Several therapies may be used in combination. Acute leukemia requires immediate medical care. However if you have chronic leukemia, the doctor may suggest holding off the start of treatment and watching for changes. Waiting for changes to occur does not appear to increase the mortality rate in people who have been diagnosed with a chronic form of leukemia.
Treatment involves the following:
References:
American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp .
Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 21st ed. W.B. Saunders Company; 2000.
Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. W.B. Saunders Company; 2001.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Societywebsite. Available at: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls .
National Cancer Institutewebsite. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/ .
Textbook of Primary Care Medicine . 3rd ed. Mosby, Inc.; 2001.
Last reviewed February 2007 by Barbara Harty-Golder, MD, JD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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