Chronic Leukemia Treatment

Chronic leukemia treatment options can include chemotherapy, other drug therapy, biological therapy, watchful waiting, and radiation therapy. Treatment options for chronic leukemia may vary depending on whether a person has chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

 

Chronic Leukemia Treatment: An Introduction

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

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

Chronic Leukemia Treatment: 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 chronic leukemia treatment options, click:
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD