Treatment Options for Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
In general, chemotherapy uses drugs to eliminate cancer cells in the body. During this procedure, a high dose of drugs is used to target cancer cells. However, it also kills healthy cells and affects overall health. There are generally 3 phases, including induction, consolidation, and maintenance. The effects of this treatment can vary, depending on the overall health and age. Since chemotherapy medications are highly toxic, they may lead to some serious side effects, such as kidney failure or bleeding issues. [6]
In radiation therapy, high doses of radiation are used to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. It often takes a few days to a few weeks for the treatment to work by breaking down the DNA of cancer cells. Two types are available: internal and external beam. Some factors may affect the type you receive, including the type, size, and location of the tumor, general health, age, as well as the presence of any existing conditions. [7]
