Leukemia is a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Chemotherapy is a common treatment of this and many other types of cancer, and it entails taking medication that targets tumor cells for destruction. This guide explains how chemotherapy works on leukemia and what you can expect during treatment. 

What Are the Different Types of Leukemia?

While there are many different types of leukemia that affect both kids and adults, the following are the most common:

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Most children with leukemia have the ALL type, which impacts the lymphocytes. These are white blood cells that play a crucial role in immune system function. 
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Conversely, AML primarily affects older people. This type of cancer affects the myeloid cells, which go on to become red blood cells or white blood cells that are not lymphocytes. 

Both types cause similar symptoms, including fever, lack of appetite and subsequent weight loss, and fatigue. People with AML also experience weakness, dizziness, trouble breathing, and a pale skin color, which is caused by the decreased number of red blood cells. 

How Does Chemotherapy Treat Leukemia?

Cancer cells are mutated normal cells that spread rapidly. Chemotherapy stops these cells from spreading, and different drugs target different types of cancer cells. When it comes to side effects, some people experience hair loss, lack of appetite, nausea, fever, constipation, mouth sores, among others. 

This treatment can be administered in a few different ways. Some patients will take medication orally, while others will be given it intravenously. Others still might receive infusion into the cerebrospinal fluid via lumbar puncture. 

Finding the right cancer treatment is crucial to overcoming the disease. For this reason, the caring team at Alaska Oncology and Hematology, LLC approaches every patient on an individual basis to ensure the best treatment is provided. If you have concerns about side effects, they’ll tailor your treatment to your exact needs to lower the chance you’ll experience unpleasant symptoms. They can even support your emotional needs; just ask about their mental health resources during your appointment. Call (907) 279-3155 for more information on cancer treatment in Anchorage. You can also visit the website to prepare for your first appointment.