Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Symptoms And Solutions

Chemotherapy

The cancer treatment team determines solutions, also termed treatments, for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. They are based on the type of ALL present and the affected parts of the body. Chemotherapy is using chemicals (a.k.a. medication) for treatment. Chemotherapy involves taking medications intravenously, by injection, or by mouth, in cycles. The length of each cycle depends on the patient, the progression of their condition, and on their response to chemotherapy. The cycles provide rest periods in which no treatment is provided, which allows the body to recuperate. This provides some insight into the effect of these medications on healthy and cancer cells.

Stem Cell Transplant

Stem cell transplants are used when very high doses of chemotherapy are needed, and the cancer team is worried about the long-term negative effects of these high doses on bone marrow, which is the source of all blood cells. If it is permanently damaged, other complications can follow, such as anemia and increased risk of infection. Doctors transplant stem cells into bone marrow to avoid this. These stem cells help the bone marrow recover from the high doses of chemotherapy.