A CBC shows anemia and low platelet count . The goal of treatment is remission of the cancer . A remission is achieved when the peripheral blood counts and the bone marrow are normal. Additionally, isolation procedures may be necessary if the lymphocyte count is very low to prevent exposure to infectious agents. Antibiotic therapy may be required to treat any secondary infections that develop.
Subsequent therapy is directed at preventing relapse.
A bone marrow transplant after high-dose chemotherapy is a treatment option for cases that relapse or do not respond to other treatments. The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. Without treatment, the life expectancy is about 3 months.