Does chemotherapy treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

The medicines aim to clear leukaemia cells from the blood and bone marrow, reduce the chance of remaining cells growing again, and protect areas where the disease can be harder to reach.

Treatment often starts with an intensive phase intended to bring the leukaemia under control. Further therapy then targets cells that may remain even when routine tests show a strong response. Later treatment may be less intensive but continue as part of the same plan.

Different chemotherapy medicines can be combined, and some treatment may be delivered into the fluid around the spinal cord. Targeted medicines, immunotherapy or a stem cell transplant may also be considered for particular disease features or responses.

Keep an up-to-date list of medicines and supplements, arrange help for treatment days, and follow the team's instructions for blood tests and infection precautions. Tell them about dental problems, possible pregnancy, fertility concerns and any new illness before treatment begins.

During therapy, record symptoms such as nausea, mouth soreness, diarrhoea, constipation, bruising or fatigue. Supportive medicines and transfusions may be used to manage treatment effects, so reporting problems early gives the team more options.

Follow the hospital's instructions for fever and call urgently if you feel feverish, shivery or suddenly unwell. Also report uncontrolled bleeding, new breathlessness, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhoea, inability to drink or a painful mouth that prevents swallowing.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, fainting, a seizure or bleeding that will not stop.

Ask which chemotherapy medicines are planned, how response will be measured, whether treatment into the spinal fluid is needed, what support is available for side effects, and whether fertility preservation should be discussed before therapy.