Treatment of leukemia

Treatment for leukemia is given by cancer specialists (oncologists). Some specialize in surgery, some in radiation therapy and others in chemotherapy (drugs). These doctors work with the person with cancer to decide on a treatment plan.

Treatment plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each person with cancer. Treatment decisions for leukemia are based on:

• the type of leukemia
• the person’s age
• chromosomal (genetic) abnormalities
• the person's overall health

Treatment options for leukemia

• chemotherapy
  • main treatment for many kinds of leukemia
• stem cell transplant
  • an option for some people under the age of 55 years
• radiation therapy
  • most often used to treat or prevent spread to the central nervous system and to prepare for stem cell transplant
• targeted therapy for those with the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome
• supportive therapy to manage complications of treatment
• follow-up after treatment is finished

Treatment by type

• acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
• acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
• chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)

Clinical trials

Clinical trials investigate better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. There are some clinical trials in Canada that are open to people with leukemia. For more information, go to clinical trials.

See a list of questions to ask your doctor about treatment.