Chronic Leukemia: Challenges, Treatments, and Quality of Life

Dr Vinod Sharma, Consultant – Medical Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Jaipur 

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It primarily destroys the body’s blood-forming tissues, leading to excessive generation of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal cells, known as leukemia cells, don’t function like normal white blood cells and can’t fight infections as effectively as the normal white blood cells.  

Chronic Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that occurs when there are too many abnormal white blood cells growing slowly in the bone marrow and blood. There are two main types: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). CLL affects older people and progresses slowly, so treatment isn’t needed right away. CML comes from a genetic change and makes too many white blood cells. It goes at a moderate pace and can affect people of different ages.  

 Understanding the challenges 

People with chronic leukemia have a lot of challenges, especially when it comes to figuring out what’s wrong and how to treat it. They often feel tired, get sick easily, have low red blood cells, and their spleen gets bigger. One big challenge is telling apart the two main types: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). CLL gets worse slowly and might not need treatment right away, while CML has a clear genetic problem called the Philadelphia chromosome and can be treated well with specific medicines like tyrosine kinase inhibitors.  

 Treatment Approaches 

 Patients with long-term leukemia now have more effective and minimally invasive therapy options. The kind of leukemia, its stage of progression, and the patient’s general health condition all influence the kind of treatment. Sometimes we merely monitor CLL and don’t take any action until it’s necessary. For the treatment of CLL, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and novel targeted treatments are crucial.  

 However, oral drugs such as Imatinib, Dasatinib, and Nilotinib have significantly altered the landscape for CML. They enhance the patient’s quality of life and aid in the management of the illness. A tiny subset of individuals with persistent leukemia may think about stem cell transplantation in certain situations if other treatments are unsuccessful.  

Giving patients with chronic leukemia a better quality of life is just as important as curing the illness. People with long-term leukemia can have good lives with the right medical care and support. It’s important to ensure check-ups, take prescribed medicines, and keep an eye on things.  

 Also, talking to someone or joining a support group can help with the feelings that come with having leukemia. Eating well, exercising, and managing stress are also important to fight the disease.  

Aggressive therapies such as chemotherapy formerly had a high risk of adverse effects, but they have decreased with recent advancements. With the correct support and medical attention, people with long-term leukemia can lead happy, fulfilling lives.  

 Regular check-ups, taking prescribed medications, and keeping an eye on things are all crucial. Psychological and emotional well-being take a toll for patients with leukemia. During these difficult times, speaking to a counsellor or taking therapy proves beneficial and improves overall emotional well-being.  

Another aspect to keep in mind is to manage stress, lifestyle choices and proper diet intake. 

Even though people with chronic leukemia face many obstacles, people can nevertheless lead fulfilling lives thanks to improvements in medical care and a holistic approach to wellbeing. Through adopting a constructive outlook, utilizing accessible resources, and making knowledgeable lifestyle decisions, the path with chronic leukemia becomes better.  It is possible to overcome leukemia with resiliency and hope. As a community, we can keep advocating for a better, healthier future and empowering those who are dealing with chronic leukemia. 

 While chronic leukemia presents its share of challenges, advancements in medical care, coupled with a holistic approach to well-being, enable individuals to lead meaningful lives. By embracing a positive mindset, leveraging available support networks, and making informed lifestyle choices, the journey with chronic leukemia can be navigated with resilience and hope. Together, as a community, we can continue to empower individuals facing chronic leukemia and advocate for a brighter, healthier future.