Treatment will probably be systemic chemotherapy. Clinical trials are testing new drugs. In Remission Remission means that treatment has been given and that the number of white blood cells and other blood cells in the blood and bone marrow is normal. There are no signs or symptoms of leukemia. Treatment will most likely be systemic chemotherapy drugs and new ways of giving drugs, or a clinical trial evaluating bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplantation.
Refractory disease means that the leukemia has failed to go into remission following treatment.
Radiation therapy may be given to reduce symptoms. Patients may also choose to take part in clinical trials of new chemotherapy drugs or bone marrow transplantation. If the leukemia cells have spread to the brain, radiation therapy to the brain or intrathecal chemotherapy will be given. This information is not intended to be a substitute for individual medical advice in diagnosing or treating a health problem. Please consult with your health care provider about your health care concerns.