Does chemotherapy treat leukaemia?

Because leukaemia affects blood-forming cells, treatment can reach abnormal cells through the bloodstream. Chemotherapy may be the main treatment, may be combined with targeted medicines or immunotherapy, or may help prepare for a stem cell transplant.

Leukaemia includes several diseases that behave differently. The clinical team uses the exact type, changes found in the leukaemia cells, previous treatment and general health to select medicines. Some rapidly developing forms need prompt intensive treatment, while some slower forms may be monitored before treatment begins.

Treatment often follows phases with different aims, such as bringing the disease under control and then reducing the chance that remaining abnormal cells grow again. The schedule and whether care requires hospital stays vary with the regimen.

Before treatment, tell the cancer team about every prescription medicine, supplement, allergy and infection. Blood tests and other assessments help the team check blood-cell levels and organ function. Arrange practical support for appointments and keep the treatment unit's contact number available.

During treatment, report fever, unusual bruising, bleeding, mouth sores, vomiting or diarrhoea rather than waiting for the next visit. Do not take a new medicine or supplement without checking for interactions with the prescribed regimen.

Contact the treatment team immediately for a fever, shaking chills, new breathlessness, uncontrolled bleeding, confusion, severe weakness or an inability to keep fluids down. Chemotherapy can lower infection-fighting blood cells, so suspected infection needs prompt assessment even if symptoms seem mild.

Call emergency services for severe difficulty breathing, collapse, a seizure, heavy bleeding that will not stop or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat.

Ask for the full name and subtype of the leukaemia, the aim of each treatment phase, how response will be checked, which side effects require an immediate call, and whether fertility preservation should be discussed before therapy starts.