Treatment methods for leukemia

There are a number of factors that predispose to the development of leukemia. These include:

• genetic predisposition;
• radioactive contamination of the environment;
• uncontrolled use of medications;
• other blood diseases;
• chromosome mutations (Down syndrome, Klinefelter).

The presence of one or more factors does not prove the presence of the disease, but increases the likelihood of its occurrence in the future.

After the nuclear explosions in Japan, the number of people diagnosed with leukemia increased sharply. Laboratory studies on animals confirmed the link between exposure to radioactive isotopes and the occurrence of the disease.

According to the nature of the course, leukemia is divided into two types:

• acute (rapid spread of diseased blood cells);
• chronic (slow, imperceptible course of the disease).

Common symptoms are:

• enlarged lymph nodes;
• loss of appetite, weight loss, exhaustion;
• sweating and a slight increase in temperature at night;
• pain in the bones and joints;
• heaviness in the right hypochondrium due to changes in the size of the liver and spleen;
• increased bleeding.

Diagnosis should begin with a complete blood count. After all, with leukemia, all hematopoietic elements undergo pathological changes (the number of leukocytes increases, the concentration of hemoglobin decreases, the ESR increases, the platelet content decreases).

If pathology is detected, further examination will be required, which includes:

• myelogram;
• trepanobiopsy;
• cytochemical examination of bone marrow puncture;
• ultrasound of internal organs.

Treatment is carried out by hematologists or oncologists. When choosing tactics, the patient's age, type of disease and previous treatment are taken into account.

If leukemia is chronic, patients should be closely monitored and their health status should be carefully controlled. Treatment is prescribed after the patient's health deteriorates or symptoms worsen.

Acute leukemia requires immediate medical care to achieve remission as quickly as possible. The main methods are:

1. Chemotherapy. This method is based on the use of one or a series of drugs that can destroy cancer. Methods of administering drugs:

• orally;
• through a catheter;
• injections into the spine;
• using an Ommaya reservoir.

Depending on the type of drug, chemotherapy can be administered at home, on an outpatient basis in a hospital, or with immediate hospitalization.

2. Biological therapy. It strengthens the body's defenses, allowing it to actively resist cancer. Interferon or monoclonal antibodies are used for this. Interferon slows down the reproduction and growth of cancer cells. It is injected into the muscle or under the skin. Monoclonal antibodies contain a toxin that destroys leukemia cells. It is administered intravenously.

3. Radiation therapy allows you to destroy cancer with ionizing rays. With the help of a special device, they are directed to the most affected organ. Sometimes it is necessary to irradiate the entire body.

4. Stem cell transplant is often used after radiotherapy. This can be donor material or the patient's own cells, taken and frozen before radiation therapy.

Large-scale studies of new methods of treating leukemia are currently underway. By taking part in them, you can give your body a new chance to heal. Your doctor will help you find the best program for you and advise you on all the possibilities and complications.