Leukemia is also called blood cancer as it affects the blood and blood-forming cells. The two basic types of leukemia are acute and chronic and are further classified depending on the type of blood cell affected. The four types are; acute lymphocytic leukemia/acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), and chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML).

The line of treatment for leukemia is chosen based on the type, extent, history, and type of affected cells. Doctors determine leukemia treatment options based on the patient’s age and overall health and its spread. Read on to know more about six treatments for leukemia.

1. Chemotherapy
   This is the most common of the treatments for leukemia. In chemotherapy, a concoction of various cancer-killing drugs is given to the patient. Chemotherapy can be given orally as well as intravenously, depending on the drug and the patient.
2. Targeted therapy
   This treatment selectively targets and eliminates cancerous cells.
3. Biological therapy

Biological therapy boosts the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. This is usually achieved using biological response modifiers (BRMs).

1. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is the application of high energy radiation to specific areas in the body to destroy cancer cells. For leukemia, this could be areas where there is a higher concentration of the leukemic cells. Furthermore, this therapy is also administered as a precursor to stem cell transplant.

1. Stem Cell transplant
   In stem cell transplants, the patient’s bone marrow is replaced with healthy bone marrow. The patient’s bone marrow is first destroyed completely using radiation or chemotherapy. Fresh stem cells are then infused into the body. They help the body to produce new healthy bone marrow. This procedure is similar to a bone marrow transplant, and the stem cells can be from the patient’s body or from a healthy donor. This is one of the most invasive treatments for leukemia.
2. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (Car) T-cell Treatment
   This treatment is one of the newest treatments for leukemia. It uses the patient’s T-lymphocytes. These cells are reengineered in a lab and reintroduced into the patient’s body. It is available as part of clinical trials and is still very new. It has been used in B-cell lymphomas and is being studied for its efficacy in other types of leukemia.

Apart from the above-mentioned treatments for leukemia, you have to remember that acute leukemia is treated immediately to eliminate all cancer cells. In some cases, consolidation or maintenance therapy may be required to prevent the return of leukemia. Chronic leukemia may not be cured and will require treatment to manage its symptoms. Treatment for chronic leukemia aims to control the spread of cancer. Stem cell transplantation may be possible for some patients with chronic leukemias, having a slight possibility of a cure.