Monocytic leukemia medical therapy

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Medical Therapy

Unlike other types of cancer, leukemia isn't a tumor that your doctor can surgically remove. Leukemia cells are produced in the bone marrow and travel throughout the body. There are several treatment options for leukemia. Every treatment option has side effects and drawbacks.

Radiation Therapy:

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill leukemia cells. People receive radiation therapy at a hospital or clinic. Some people receive radiation from a large machine that is aimed at the spleen, the brain, or other parts of the body where leukemia cells have collected. For more information see Radiation therapy

Chemotherapy:

Many people with leukemia are treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy leukemia cells. For more information see Chemotherapy.

Biological Therapy:

Biological therapy uses special substances that improve the body's natural defenses against cancer. Some patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia receive monoclonal antibodies, which are man-made proteins that can identify leukemia cells. Monoclonal antibodies bind to the cells and assist the body in killing them.

Targeted Therapy:

People with chronic myeloid leukemia and some with acute lymphoblastic leukemia may receive drugs called targeted therapy.Targeted therapies use drugs that block the growth of leukemia cells. For example, a targeted therapy may block the action of an abnormal protein that stimulates the growth of leukemia cells.

Stem Cell Transplant:

Some people with leukemia receive a stem cell transplant. A stem cell transplant allows you to be treated with high doses of drugs, radiation, or both. The high doses destroy both leukemia cells and normal blood cells in the bone marrow. After you receive highdose chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both, you receive healthy stem cells through a large vein. (It's like getting a blood transfusion.) New blood cells develop from the transplanted stem cells. The new blood cells replace the ones that were destroyed by treatment.