TreatmentMain treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukaemiaAcute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is often treatable. Treatment usually needs to start quickly. The treatment will depend on:
It will usually include steroids and chemotherapy. It may also include targeted medicines, immunotherapy or a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. Treatments to prevent and manage symptoms (called supportive treatments) will also be offered. The specialist care team looking after you will:
You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans. If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up. SteroidsSteroid medicine aims to get rid of the leukaemia cells. You usually take them for up to a week before you start chemotherapy. Find out moreChemotherapyChemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells. It's the main treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. You usually have a combination of chemotherapy medicines. Find out moreTargeted medicines and immunotherapyTargeted medicines aim to stop cancer growing. Immunotherapy is where medicines are used to help the immune system kill cancer. You may have targeted medicines or immunotherapy if:
Find out moreStem cell or bone marrow transplantA stem cell or bone marrow transplant replaces damaged blood cells with healthy ones. You may have a stem cell or bone marrow transplant if the cancer has come back or it's likely to come back. Find out more
Supportive treatmentsYou may need to have treatment to prevent or control symptoms caused by acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This may include:
Find out moreWhat happens if you've been told your cancer cannot be curedSometimes acute lymphoblastic leukaemia might be very hard to treat, and it may not be possible to cure the cancer. If this is the case, the aim of treatment will be to limit the cancer and its symptoms, and help you live longer. Finding out the cancer cannot be cured can be very hard news to take in. You will be referred to a special team of doctors and nurses called the palliative care team or symptom control team. They will work with you to help manage your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. The clinical nurse specialist or palliative care team can also help you and your loved ones get any support you need. Find out more
Sexual Health AdviceThroughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:
|
| This item was in brought to you association with NHS website. Follow the links above for more information and don't forget to check out OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health which features items on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. This week our topic is: L - Lung Cancer. |
| Photos: OutUK and LightFieldStudios. | |