Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Intrathecal chemotherapy is given if the leukemia cells have spread into the brain and cerebral spinal fluid or to prevent the spread of leukemic cells into the spinal fluid. There are two phases of treatment for the acute leukemias, Induction Therapy and Consolidation Therapy. The goal of induction therapy is to kill as many of the leukemia cells as possible and make patients go into remission. Once in remission, patients receive consolidation therapy that tries to kill any remaining leukemic cells.
Radiation therapy is the use of high dose x-rays to kill cancer cells.
Biological therapy uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells. Bone marrow transplant involves killing the body's own bone marrow and replacing it with healthy marrow. Your doctor will determine the best treatment option for you based on the type of leukemia, your age and your overall health status. There are numerous research studies investigating better ways to treat patients who have leukemia. Your physician can inform you if you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial for your type of leukemia.