Treatment Options

Several treatment options, including drugs, immunotherapy, vaccines and gene therapy, are available for treatment of leukemia or other blood disease.

If needed, a transplant may be performed to help rebuild the immune system. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy destroys bad cells, and stem cells are injected by vein to help repopulate healthy cells. Sometimes, the patient’s own cells are used for the transplant, but most of the time a donor is needed.

The goal of treatment is full remission, meaning no more blood cancer cells. Relapse is possible, but there has been a recent increase in the number of patients who are in remission for at least five years following treatment.

Leukemia treatments have advanced significantly over the last decade, and there are many treatments still being tested. Clinical trials allow specialists to test improved treatment options in a controlled environment.

Note: A consent form must be signed by the patient in order to participate in a clinical trial.