Hairy Cell Leukemia Treatment
Hairy cell leukemia is a rare type of leukemia, affecting only about 600 to 800 people a year in the United States. This type of leukemia is a slow-growing cancer of the blood, where too many B-cells, the cells that fight off infection, are being made. These extra cells look abnormal and "hairy" when viewed microscopically. There is no cure for hairy cell leukemia, so the illness is considered chronic, with treatments minimizing symptoms and putting the disease into remission temporarily.
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Watchful Waiting
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If your blood cell counts are adequate and there are no symptoms of the leukemia, sometimes treatment is not necessary; instead, watchful waiting is practiced. Because it is such a slow growing cancer, some people talk to their doctors and decide to treat it only if symptoms arise. Eventually, though, most individuals with this cancer undergo treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Chemotherapy
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Chemotherapy is the first line of treatment for hairy cell leukemia. There are two main drugs used for this cancer: cladribine (brand name Leustatin) and pentostatin (brand name Nipent). Both of these drugs are given intravenously, and have similar rates of remission.
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Biological Therapy
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Biological therapy, also called immunotherapy, helps your immune system recognize cancer cells so they can be attacked and killed. For this kind of leukemia, two treatments are used: alpha-interferon or rituximab (brand name Rituxan). Rituximab was originally approved for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but it is occasionally used in hairy cell leukemia if previous chemotherapy has not been effective.
Surgery
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Surgery used to be used commonly, but now it is not used very much for this cancer. Surgical treatment involves a splenectomy, or removal of the spleen. If your spleen ruptures or is causing pain, your doctor may recommend surgery. Taking out the spleen may also help with getting blood counts back to normal, so if you have persistent, uncontrollable infections, this surgery may help decrease the number of infections.
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Treatments
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Although complementary medicine will not cure hairy cell leukemia, some people find that the treatments help them cope with the disease and its side effects. Such treatments include acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, meditation, guided imagery and other relaxation techniques. As with any supplemental treatment, it is best to talk with your physician if you are thinking about adding them to your treatment routine. Acupuncture and massage may not be indicated in patients with low blood counts or who are taking certain medications.
Clinical Trials
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Clinical trials are studies of drugs and treatment protocols that may be more effective in treating diseases. Participants are closely monitored throughout the trial, and have the option of leaving at any time. According to the National Cancer Institute, current clinical trials in 2009 for hairy cell leukemia include stem cell transplants, high-dose chemotherapy, and biologic therapy. If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials or want to know if you are a candidate for participation, speak to your doctor.
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