Leukemia is a cancer of white blood cells and the bone marrow. Leukemia can be classified as acute or chronic depending on the rate of growth. There are four types of leukemia: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and Acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Treatment options are determined by the type of leukemia and the individual. Common treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Immunotherapy, vaccine therapy, bone marrow transplant are other treatment options.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals to kill rapidly growing cancer cells. During treatment, normal, healthy cells can be affected and cause side effects. Nausea, hair loss and fatigue are common side effects experienced by cancer patients. The severity of side effects …show more content…
Radiation is an effective treatment because it targets tumor cells. Without damaging healthy cells, radiation waves can shrink tumor cells, reduce pressure and decrease pain. The most common side effects of radiation therapy are fatigue, loss of appetite and skin changes. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy.
Surgery
A splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the spleen. The spleen’s function is to remove worn-out blood cells from the bloodstream.The spleen can become enlarged and compress nearby organs. Removing the spleen can improve red blood cells and platelet counts in some individuals.
Immunotherapy
The immune system protects the body from foreign invaders. Cancer cells are not recognized by the body and can suppress the immune system. Immunotherapy uses the body's own immune system to fight off the cancer cells. Man-made cells or antibodies are created to target a specific cancer cell type. Immunotherapy can be used in combination with other cancer treatments.
Vaccine
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals to kill rapidly growing cancer cells. During treatment, normal, healthy cells can be affected and cause side effects. Nausea, hair loss and fatigue are common side effects experienced by cancer patients. The severity of side effects …show more content…
Radiation is an effective treatment because it targets tumor cells. Without damaging healthy cells, radiation waves can shrink tumor cells, reduce pressure and decrease pain. The most common side effects of radiation therapy are fatigue, loss of appetite and skin changes. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy.
Surgery
A splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the spleen. The spleen’s function is to remove worn-out blood cells from the bloodstream.The spleen can become enlarged and compress nearby organs. Removing the spleen can improve red blood cells and platelet counts in some individuals.
Immunotherapy
The immune system protects the body from foreign invaders. Cancer cells are not recognized by the body and can suppress the immune system. Immunotherapy uses the body's own immune system to fight off the cancer cells. Man-made cells or antibodies are created to target a specific cancer cell type. Immunotherapy can be used in combination with other cancer treatments.
Vaccine