Procedure Type
Non SurgicalProcedure Duration
4 - 8 monthsHospital Stay (Days)
3 - 6 weeksLeukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. These cells crowd out healthy ones, weakening the immune system and disrupting normal blood functions. Treatment for leukemia aims to destroy cancerous cells, restore healthy blood production, and, where possible, achieve a cure or long-term remission. The type of treatment depends on the type of leukemia—acute or chronic, lymphocytic or myeloid—and the patient’s age, health, and disease stage.
Leukemia is broadly classified into four major types: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Acute leukemias progress rapidly and require immediate, aggressive treatment, while chronic forms develop more slowly and may be managed over time. Each type has its own treatment strategies, but early diagnosis and personalized care are key to better outcomes.
Chemotherapy is the backbone of treatment for most leukemias. It involves the use of powerful drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells in the blood and bone marrow. For acute leukemias like AML and ALL, chemotherapy is given in phases—induction, consolidation, and maintenance—to eliminate cancer cells, prevent relapse, and sustain remission. The drugs can be administered orally, intravenously, or injected directly into the spinal fluid in certain cases.
Yes, targeted therapy plays a crucial role, especially in chronic leukemias. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all fast-growing cells, targeted therapies act on specific genetic or molecular abnormalities in leukemia cells. For example, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like imatinib and dasatinib are highly effective in treating CML by blocking the BCR-ABL fusion protein. Targeted therapy often has fewer side effects and can be taken as oral medications.
Immunotherapy strengthens the body’s immune system to fight leukemia. CAR T-cell therapy, where a patient’s T-cells are genetically modified to attack cancer cells, has shown great promise, particularly in relapsed or resistant ALL. Other immunotherapies include monoclonal antibodies that attach to leukemia cells, marking them for destruction. These treatments offer new hope for patients who do not respond to conventional therapies.
PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR & CHIEF HEMATOLOGY
PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR & PAEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY
Director, Department of Hemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant
A bone marrow or stem cell transplant may offer the best chance for cure in certain high-risk or relapsed leukemias. This procedure replaces the diseased marrow with healthy stem cells, either from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic). It follows intensive chemotherapy or radiation to wipe out the existing cancer cells. While effective, transplants carry risks such as graft-versus-host disease and require close monitoring and long-term follow-up.
While not the primary treatment for most types of leukemia, radiation therapy may be used in specific cases, such as when leukemia has spread to the brain or central nervous system, or as part of the conditioning regimen before a stem cell transplant. It helps target and shrink localized clusters of leukemia cells and can also be used to relieve symptoms like bone pain or enlarged organs.
Supportive care is critical in leukemia treatment to manage side effects and complications. This may include antibiotics to prevent infections, blood transfusions to combat anemia or bleeding, and growth factors to encourage bone marrow recovery. Nutritional support, mental health care, and physical therapy also play vital roles in helping patients cope with the intensity of treatment.
Treatment duration varies based on the type and severity of leukemia. Acute leukemias typically require several months to a few years of therapy, including maintenance. Chronic leukemias may involve long-term or lifelong medication to manage the disease. Patients in remission require ongoing monitoring to detect any signs of relapse early and ensure that the disease remains under control.
The outlook for leukemia patients has improved dramatically in recent decades, thanks to advances in diagnostics, treatment, and supportive care. Many children and adults with acute leukemia achieve complete remission and live healthy lives. Chronic leukemias can often be managed effectively for many years. Prognosis depends on multiple factors, including age, genetic mutations, response to treatment, and overall health.
Gurugram, India
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Gurugram, India
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