What is the first treatment for leukaemia?

Leukaemia includes different diseases affecting blood-forming cells. Blood tests, examination, and a bone marrow biopsy can identify the subtype and genetic features that guide treatment. Some forms need immediate therapy, while others follow a monitored plan or use a different medicine.

Chemotherapy treats abnormal cells throughout the body. Targeted therapy acts on a specific change found in some leukaemia cells. Blood transfusion support may help manage low red-cell or platelet levels while treatment takes effect. A stem cell transplant may be considered later for selected patients, depending on response, risk, and fitness.

Ask which leukaemia subtype has been identified, which tests are still pending, and when treatment should begin. Keep a current medicine list and follow infection-prevention instructions. Ask how fever should be measured and where to call at any hour. Do not delay advice for new symptoms while waiting for an appointment.

You can read about [Bone Marrow Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/bone-marrow-biopsy/) and [Chemotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/chemotherapy/) to understand common parts of the pathway.

A fever, shaking chills, new breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, severe headache, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden weakness needs urgent medical advice. Contact the haematology team immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to settle, especially when blood counts are low or treatment has begun.

Which subtype do I have? What do the marrow and genetic tests show? What is the first medicine and its goal? Will I need transfusion support? Could targeted therapy or transplant be considered? What fever threshold or symptom requires emergency action?