16 May, 2025
16 May, 2025
This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty, Consultant - Hematology and BMT Physician, HCG Cancer Centre, Vijayawada
Leukemia treatment depends on many factors, such as its type. Leukemia treatments are based on the patient's age and overall health, the type of leukemia you have, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body, including the central nervous system.
Leukemia is a cancer of blood cells. It is a type of blood cancer that affects blood and bone marrow and causes the production of abnormal white blood cells. These white blood cells increase infection and replace healthy blood cells. The treatment of leukemia depends on the type, stage, and the patient’s overall health.
Leukemia treatment is based on many factors. The following are the commonly recommended leukemia treatments:
Chemotherapy is the most common leukemia medication. Leukemia chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. The way leukemia chemotherapy is given depends on whether the leukemia cells have spread to the central nervous system.
For patients undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia, drugs may be administered intravenously or orally.
Radiation therapy for leukemia uses high-energy X-rays and other types of radiation to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy is often recommended in cases where the disease has spread to different parts of the body. It may also be used to prepare the body to receive a BMT or to manage symptoms in advanced stages.
It is often recommended along with other treatments to improve the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Immunotherapy is another treatment for leukemia that involves re-engineering the patient’s immune system to fight cancer.
Unlike traditional leukemia medications like chemotherapy, which directly attack cancer cells, immunotherapy works by boosting the immune system's ability to fight cancer. This treatment approach reduces damage to healthy tissues by precisely targeting the cancer cells.
CAR T-cell therapy is a revolutionary method for leukemia blood cancer treatment. In CAR T-cell therapy for leukemia, a patient’s T-cells are altered in the laboratory to boost their ability to identify and attack cancer cells.
T-cells are taken from a patient’s blood, and a gene for a special receptor that binds to a certain protein on the surface of cancer cells is added to the T-cells in the laboratory.
CAR T-cell therapy for leukemia has become especially effective for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Stem cell transplantation, or bone marrow transplant, is an important leukemia treatment option for cancer patients. Bone marrow transplantation for leukemia is a treatment procedure to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. Stem cells may be either collected directly from the bone marrow (bone marrow transplantation) or the bloodstream (peripheral stem cell transplantation).
Stem cell transplantation for leukemia does not usually work against cancer directly, but it restores the body's ability to produce new blood cells after treatment with very high doses of chemotherapy and maybe other treatments, such as radiation therapy, that are used to destroy cancer cells. However, stem cell transplants may work directly against cancer in leukemia.
Read More: Different Types of Bone Marrow Transplant for Blood Cancers
Clinical trials for the treatment of leukemia are important for advancing the development of leukemia drugs and new medicines for leukemia. Clinical trials involve testing new therapies, leukemia drug combinations, or techniques to find more effective approaches to leukemia treatments. For some patients, especially those who have exhausted their treatment options, joining a clinical trial can be a leukemia treatment option.
Surgery for leukemia treatment is not very common, since leukemia is a blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood cells rather than being a solid tumor.
However, it may be recommended in advanced stages to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Side effects of leukemia treatment depend on the type of treatment used. Patients need to be aware of different side effects of leukemia treatment, like nausea, hair loss, etc. Long-term side effects of leukemia include fertility problems, secondary cancers, and cognitive issues.
Some common side effects of leukemia treatment are:
Choosing HCG Cancer Centre for leukemia treatment offers patients access to advanced treatment of leukemia and personalized care from a team of expert oncologists. HCG provides state-of-the-art therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplants, ensuring the best possible outcomes for leukemia treatment.
Our commitment to the latest medical advancements, including clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments, ensures that patients receive the most effective and innovative care. HCG also offers a compassionate approach, working closely with patients and their families to tailor leukemia treatments to each patient’s individual health needs, providing comprehensive support throughout the journey of treatment for leukemia.
Leukemia treatment requires a comprehensive approach utilizing the latest advancements in leukemia medications and leukemia drugs. Leukemia treatment options vary depending on the type and stage of leukemia. Understanding how to treat leukemia and having access to the latest advancements in leukemia medication ensures that patients have the best chance for improved quality of life and long-term survival. At HCG Cancer Centre, patients are offered cutting-edge treatment options and expert care to help them achieve the best possible outcomes and continue their journey toward long-term health and recovery.
Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty
Consultant - Hematology and BMT Physician
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Clinical Hematology)
Dr. Amarnadh is an experienced hematologist and BMT specialist who is available for consultations at HCG Cancer Centre, a leading cancer hospital in Vijayawada. He is well-trained in the comprehensive management of pediatric and adult hematological and oncological disorders. His expertise extends to the management of thrombophilia disorders and the management of hematological disorders in cardiac OTs and cardiac ICUs. He is certified in National Cardiac Life Support (affiliated to the American Heart Association). He combines the latest evidence-based treatments with a compassionate approach to ensure that patients are well-informed and receive the best possible care.
To book an appointment with Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty, please click here.
