Can Leukemia be treated?
Yes. There are two phases of treatment: induction therapy and continuation/maintenance therapy. In induction therapy, the main treatment is to reduce the number of leukemic cells and the main aim is to induce a remission. Remission is a period of time when the cancer is responding to treatment or is under control. Remission can be partial or complete. When cancer is in complete remission, all the signs and symptoms of the disease disappear. Partial remission is when the cancer shrinks but does not completely disappear. Remissions can last anywhere from several weeks to many years. Complete remissions may continue for years and be considered cures. If the leukemia returns, another remission often can occur with further treatment. The second phase of leukemia treatment occurs after a patient goes into remission. The aim of this phase is to kill any remaining cells and to extend the remission period as long as possible. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplants are metho
