FAQs
What are the main stages of leukemia treatment?
Leukemia treatment typically includes induction to achieve remission, consolidation/intensification to eliminate hidden disease, maintenance to keep remission long-term, and relapse/salvage therapies if the disease returns.
How long does each stage of leukemia treatment usually last?
Induction lasts about 4-6 weeks, consolidation/intensification up to 2-4 months or longer, maintenance can last 2-3 years, and relapse treatment varies depending on individual cases.
What side effects are common during each leukemia treatment stage?
Induction often causes fatigue, nausea, and infection risk; consolidation/intensification commonly leads to hair loss and mucositis; maintenance has milder effects like nausea; relapse treatments may cause side effects that depend on specific protocols.
Can adults skip any stage of leukemia treatment?
No, skipping stages like consolidation increases the risk of relapse as each stage is critical for removing leukemic cells and securing long-term remission.
What treatments are used if leukemia relapses?
Relapse treatment may involve targeted therapies, immunotherapies such as CAR T-cell therapy, or stem cell transplants, tailored to the patient's condition and prior treatments.
