Treatment Options for Leukemia (Part 1)
Leukemia treatment is approached in several ways. The decision on which approach to take is affected by various factors such as age and health condition of the patient, stage of illness, and the type of leukemia.
Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells with anti-cancer drugs. This involves the injection of drugs to the patient either while confined in the hospital or as an out-patient. Often, the patient experiences nausea and fatigue that lasts up to several hours after a chemotherapy session.
Interferon Therapy is another option which uses interferons, a class of proteins that are released by virus-infected cells. They help normal cells to make antiviral proteins. Interferons also help the body to reduce leukemia cell proliferation, while strengthening the body’s immune response. Interferon-alpha (INFa) is frequently used to treat leukemia. Interferons are usually given subcutaneously (injected under the skin), although it may also be given intravenously (through the veins) or intramuscularly (injected into the muscles). Side effects of interferon therapy include fevers, chills, muscle aches, bone pain, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Such symptoms usually last for 1 to 2 weeks, but may be lessened by drugs such as acetaminophen.
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