Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells and bone marrow. CLL occurs when the body produces too many abnormal lymphocytes, which crowd out healthy blood cells and can cause problems with the immune system. It is most common in adults over the age of 55 and can have devastating effects on a person’s life. Fortunately, there are several CLL treatments available that can help reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by it. In this blog post, we will explore some of the typical CLL treatment methods, so that you can be better informed about your options and make an educated decision about which course of treatment is right for you.
What are the typical treatment methods for CLL?
There are several different types of leukemia treatments, which can be broadly divided into two categories:
Active Treatments:
Active treatments are designed to kill cancer cells, either directly or by stimulating the immune system to do so. The most common active treatments for CLL are chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. Immunotherapy drugs help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Supportive Treatments:
Supportive care is designed to improve the quality of life and manage symptoms, rather than curing the disease. It can include things like blood transfusions and pain relief medication. Which treatment method is best for you?
CLL is treated in a few different ways, and the best one for you depends on your specific circumstances. The most common treatments are:
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is typically given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it goes directly into your veins through a needle. Chemotherapy can be given as a single drug or in combination with other drugs. The side effects of chemotherapy vary depending on the type and dose of the drug you receive but may include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, and increased risk of infection.
Targeted therapy is a newer type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. These drugs work differently from traditional chemotherapies, often with fewer side effects. The most common side effects of targeted therapy are fatigue, skin rash, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
A stem cell transplant is a procedure in which healthy blood-forming stem cells are transplanted into your body to replace your own damaged or diseased stem cells. Stem cells are important because they grow into the different types of blood cells in your body: red blood cells carry oxygen; white blood cells fight infection; and platelets help with clotting.
Your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment option for your individual case. Ultimately, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of each treatment option before making a decision.
How to cope with side effects of treatment
CLL treatment can cause the following side effects:
Nausea and vomiting
Hair loss
Diarrhea
Changes in taste or smell
Constipation
Loss of appetite
fatigue
Rash
Body aches
Mouth sores
Lower blood cell counts, which can cause bleeding and bruising
Fever and chills
Here are some steps you can take to cope with the symptoms:
Minimize infections by maintaining hygienic practices such as washing your hands regularly, wearing a mask in public areas, etc.
Avoid meeting too many people and visiting crowded areas.
Engage in light exercise
Protect yourself from injuries or cuts
Take your medications regularly
Get enough sleep
Consult your doctor about signs and symptoms and emergency situations.
Conclusion Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the white blood cells that usually progresses slowly. Treatment for CLL is generally based on your age, overall health and stage of the disease. HCG is a comprehensive cancer centre that provides best oncologists who are recognized for providing the most successful treatments to date. Consult with your doctor to determine which treatments are best suited to effectively manage your CLL treatment symptoms and improve your quality of life.
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