The three types of standard adult ALL treatment that are used include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy with stem cell transplant. There are also two phases of adult ALL treatment: remission induction therapy and maintenance therapy. Choosing the most appropriate adult ALL treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.
Different types of treatment are available for patients with adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some treatments are being tested in clinical trials.
Current adult ALL treatment options include:
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy with stem cell transplant.
There are also two phases of adult ALL treatment: remission induction therapy and maintenance therapy. Choosing the most appropriate adult ALL treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.
Phases of Adult ALL Treatment
The two phases of treatment for adult ALL are remission induction therapy and maintenance therapy.
Remission Induction Therapy
Remission induction therapy is the first phase of adult ALL treatment. Its purpose is to kill the leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow, which will put the leukemia into remission.