Chronic Leukemia Treatment

Some of the treatment options used for chronic leukemia can include chemotherapy, other drug therapy, biological therapy, watchful waiting, and radiation therapy. The specific choice of treatment(s) will vary depending on a number of factors, such as whether a person has chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

An Introduction to Treating Chronic Leukemia

Chronic leukemia treatment options are based on the type of chronic leukemia (CLL or CML) that a person has and several other factors. These factors include:
 
 

Chronic Leukemia Treatment for CML

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) treatment options may include:
 
  • Chemotherapy
  • Other drug therapy
  • Biological therapy
  • High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant
  • Donor lymphocyte infusion
  • Surgery.
 

Chronic Leukemia Treatment for CLL

Treatment options for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can include:
 
  • Watchful waiting
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Surgery
  • Monoclonal antibody therapy.
 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the most appropriate chronic leukemia treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.
 
For more information on CML or CLL treatment options, click:
 
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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