Leukemia is a Greek word meaning “white” (leukos) and “blood” (haima) which is cancer of the blood in the lymphatic system that involves the network of tissues, vessels and organs that helps in fighting infection. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood where a person’s bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal white blood cells that builds up in the bone marrow and blood making it hard for the normal red blood cells and platelets to do their work. A specific reason for the occurrence of leukemia and related cancer cannot be attributed to any specific cause and the research continues. In this article, we’ll explore different forms of leukemia treatment.
What are the Treatments of Leukemia?
Leukemia therapy depend on can vary based on the type of leukemia, its stage and what are the symptoms and their associated health risk to the patient. Some possible treatments include:
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is one of the therapies that use drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from multiplying further.
- Radiation therapy: This is the type of treatment that involves the use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and is done in patients that do not undergo surgery so external radiation is used to send radiation to the cancer from a machine outside the body.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy utilises drugs and other substances to target cancer cells. Targeted therapy drugs, including monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are also given to the patient who uses the body’s T cells to attack the cancer cells.
- Stem cell transplant: if the doctor doesn’t see any improvement with these treatments, the doctor first gives chemotherapy to these patients that kill cancer cells and stem cells in the bone marrow and then carries out a stem cell transplant to replace the damaged cells.
Conclusion
The chances of a good outcome decrease as cancer progresses in our body so it is essential to seek medical attention even if we have any symptoms of common cold or infection for an extended period. Early diagnosis can improve a person’s chances of successful leukemia disease treatment of a cancer patient. It is advisable to talk to your healthcare provider, who can suggest better treatment plans based on the patient’s health at the earliest. Health insurance can provide financial support for advanced treatments and regular screenings, ensuring timely care and improved outcomes.