Treatments:
There are many forms of cancers. However, unlike those other types of cancers, Luekemia isn’t a solid tumor, therefore a doctor can not surgically remove it. Like most cancers, the source of the problem is within the tumor. But with luekemia, the source is really in the bone marrow. This creates a bigger problem due to the fact that a doctor can’t just remove bone marrow because of how important it is for the body. Incase you were wondering, bone marrow produces white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, (essential for blood clotting).
Before treatment occurs there are many other essential factors to address. Some of these factors include the type of luekemia and whether it has spread to other parts of the body, age, overall health, and much more. Once a doctor has addressed all of the factors a form of treatment will then be applied. Types of treatment for Luekemia consist of:
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the most poplular form of treatment for luekemia. Chemotherapy uses chemical agents to kill luekemia cells. The type of luekemia one has depends on receiving a single drung or a combination of one or more drugs. These drugs can be injected into a vein, under the skin, or even taken orally (in the mouth).
Biological therapy: Biological therapy (A.K.A. immunotherapy), is a substance used to strengthen the immune system’s response to the cancer.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation Therapy is using high-energy rays/ X-rays to damage luekemia cells to stop their growth. Radiation may be received in one specific area of the body (where most of the luekemia cells are located), or more spread out over the whole body.
Bone Marrow Transplant: Bone marrow transplant is basically replacing the luekemia bone marrow with luekemia free marrow. Anyone who chooses this form of treatment will receive high doses of radiation therapy or chemotherapy to destroy the luekemia-producing blood marrow. Once a compatible donor is found, they take their bone marrow and replace the luekemia-producing marrow.
Stem Cell Transplant: Stem cell transplant is a procedure that doctors would recommend over bone marrow transplant. This is due to the fact that with this procedure recovery is shorter and a decreased risk of infection. Stem cell transplant is very similar to bone marrow transplant. The only difference is that cells are collected from the stem cells that circulate in the bloodstream.
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