Leukemia Treatments – Immunotherapy / Targeted Drug Therapy
Learn More About Immunotherapy / Targeted Drug Therapy for Leukemia: Chat with Us | Email Us
Immunotherapy / Targeted Drug Therapy for Leukemia
The team of leukemia experts at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) uses immunotherapies and/or targeted drug therapies to block the growth and spread of the disease and prevent recurrence.
Unlike standard chemotherapy which affects all cells in the body, these therapies directly target leukemia cells, helping to reduce damage to healthy cells and minimize side effects.
Immunotherapy (also called biological therapy and biotherapy) uses the body’s own immune system to block the growth and spread of cancer cells by preventing the cells from dividing or directly destroying them. Targeted drug therapy blocks the growth and spread of leukemia cells by interfering with specific molecules needed for growth.
These therapies are commonly used at CTCA for the treatment of CLL. Some examples are Campath® (alemtuzumab) and Rituxan® (rituximab).
Oftentimes, immunotherapies and/or targeted drug therapies are used in combination with other leukemia treatments, such as chemotherapy. Your CTCA care team will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique diagnosis and needs.
Helping You Maintain Your Quality of Life
Sometimes, immunotherapies and/or targeted drug therapies for leukemia cause side effects that interfere with your ability to participate in activities you enjoy. For example, you may experience a reduction in blood counts, which can lead to fatigue and risk of infection. Other potential side effects of immunotherapy may include: fever, chills, headache, rash, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Throughout your leukemia treatment, your CTCA care team works together to provide supportive therapies, such as naturopathic medicine, nutrition therapy, pain management, mind-body medicine, oncology rehabilitation, and spiritual support. These therapies can help reduce treatment-related side effects so you can better tolerate treatment while maintaining your quality of life.
Next Topic: Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Leukemia
