Acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment spreads across three primary phases with specific aim of each phase. Early treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia is more effective. Doctors recommend radiation therapy if cancer cells have spread to spinal cord.
Treatments and Medications for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
New York (USA), June 25, 2013
Treatments Options and Medications for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Treatment Phases
Early treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia is more effective. Acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment spreads across three primary phases with specific aim of each phase. Phases include:
1. Induction Therapy: This is the first phase of acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment. The primary aim of this phase is to kill leukemia cells in bone marrow and blood and thereafter restore normal blood cell production.
2. Consolidation Therapy: In this second phase, treatment aims at killing leukemia cells left over anywhere in the body including your spinal cord and brain. This is also termed post-remission therapy.
3. Maintenance Therapy: In this third phase, treatment aims at preventing leukemia cells from growing back again. Treatment is prolonged and spread across two to three years. However, medication is in very low dosages.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia patients receive treatment to kill leukemia cells located in your central nervous system during each phase of therapy. Chemotherapy drugs are directly injected into spinal fluid.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment
Treatment options for acute lymphocytic leukemia include:
Chemotherapy: This is the most important treatment included in each phase of acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment. These drugs kill cancerous cells.
Drug Therapy: Acute lymphocytic leukemia occurs due to abnormalities in specific cells like Philadelphia chromosome. Drugs like dasatinib, imatinib, and nilotinib aim at controlling these abnormalities. These drugs are prescribed for use during and after chemotherapy treatment.
Radiation Therapy: High-powered beams like X-rays are used to kill cancer cells through radiation therapy. Doctors recommend radiation therapy if cancer cells have spread to spinal cord.
Stem Cell Transplant: When acute lymphocytic leukemia displays a high chance of relapse, stem cell transplant is used in consolidation therapy. By this process, bone marrow from a healthy and compatible person is transplanted in to your affected bone marrow to allow stem cells to grow healthily. Before transplantation, you are given high doses of radiation or chemotherapy to destroy any leukemia-producing bone marrow.
In elderly patients, over the age of sixty, complications are excessive. If your overall health is good, you can opt for intensive treatment. Otherwise, doctors suggest you focus on medications to manage symptoms rather than treating acute lymphocytic leukemia.
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