Leukemia

Leukemia Treatment in India - Different Treatment Options Explained

Treatment for leukemia depends on the type of leukemia, your age, and your overall health. This short explains the main approaches used to treat blood cancers.

Main treatments for leukemia

Treatment is planned by a specialist team and is tailored to the type of leukemia and your individual situation.

• Chemotherapy. This is a primary treatment for many types of leukemia. It uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Targeted therapy. These drugs are designed to attack specific weaknesses present in cancer cells. They often have different side effects from standard chemotherapy.
• Immunotherapy. This treatment helps your own immune system to find and destroy leukemia cells. It can be used in several different ways.
• Radiation therapy. This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is not a primary treatment for most leukemias but may be used in specific situations, such as before a stem cell transplant.

Stem cell transplant

A stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant, may be an option for some people.

• What it is. This procedure replaces your diseased bone marrow with healthy blood-forming stem cells. These new cells can then produce healthy blood cells.
• The process. It usually involves high-dose chemotherapy or radiation to destroy the existing bone marrow. The new stem cells are then given through a drip, much like a blood transfusion.
• When it is used. A transplant is a complex and intensive treatment. It is usually considered for certain types of leukemia that are at high risk of returning after initial treatment.

Phases of treatment

Treatment for acute leukemias is often given in phases.

• Induction therapy. The first phase aims to destroy as many leukemia cells as possible and achieve remission. This is often an intensive period of treatment in hospital.
• Consolidation therapy. Once in remission, further treatment is given to kill any remaining, undetectable cancer cells. This helps to prevent the leukemia from coming back.
• Maintenance therapy. For some types of leukemia, a less intensive, long-term treatment may be needed. This is to keep the cancer in remission for as long as possible.

The suitability of any treatment depends on the specific type and stage of the leukemia, your general health, and a specialist's review of your medical reports and recent imaging. Your treatment plan is always decided on a case-by-case basis.