Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Chemotherapy The Right Treatment For Leukaemia?
Question: Dear Sir, My mother diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia and doctors suggested to give Chemotheopy through IV and to be given in 6 cycles once in a three weeks gap. Her age is 64. Pls provide your opinion. Reports enlcosed.
Brief Answer:
probably needs chemo
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
The reports do suggest chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, all CLL do not require treatment. But in her case, indications of treatment are present, like low hemoglobin and episodes of infection. Part of low hemoglobn may be due to blood destruction due to auto-antibodies which can be controlled with steroids alone.
If she has repeated episodes of fever or infections, weight loss, etc, then chemotherapy should be given. Usually we start with inj Rituximab plus bendamustin every 28 days. But other protocols are also there. You can discuss this with your doctor. Most patients respond to this regimen and get better without too many side effects, even if age is higher, and 64 years is considered young for CLL. There are many patients more than 70 year old being treated with chemotherapy plus rituximab.
Hope this helps. I will be available for further follow-up.
Regards
probably needs chemo
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
The reports do suggest chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, all CLL do not require treatment. But in her case, indications of treatment are present, like low hemoglobin and episodes of infection. Part of low hemoglobn may be due to blood destruction due to auto-antibodies which can be controlled with steroids alone.
If she has repeated episodes of fever or infections, weight loss, etc, then chemotherapy should be given. Usually we start with inj Rituximab plus bendamustin every 28 days. But other protocols are also there. You can discuss this with your doctor. Most patients respond to this regimen and get better without too many side effects, even if age is higher, and 64 years is considered young for CLL. There are many patients more than 70 year old being treated with chemotherapy plus rituximab.
Hope this helps. I will be available for further follow-up.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Sir, Thank you very much for your speedy answer. I have a small query.
Pls confirm the stage of the cancer as per reports. I mean whether as per reports, it is earlier stage or superier stage. It sounds silly question, but I am in very anxiety for my mother health. Also suggest at this age, is she affordable for chemotherapy treatment.
Pls confirm the stage of the cancer as per reports. I mean whether as per reports, it is earlier stage or superier stage. It sounds silly question, but I am in very anxiety for my mother health. Also suggest at this age, is she affordable for chemotherapy treatment.
Brief Answer:
stage is XXXXXXX stage 3
Detailed Answer:
according to XXXXXXX staging it is stage 3 (range from 0 to4 )
Do you really mean 'affordable'? I think you want to mean whether she can tolerate chemo or not. As I have already mentioned that most CLL patients are old and tolerate chemo. Of course the decision has to be taken by treating oncologist.
stage is XXXXXXX stage 3
Detailed Answer:
according to XXXXXXX staging it is stage 3 (range from 0 to4 )
Do you really mean 'affordable'? I think you want to mean whether she can tolerate chemo or not. As I have already mentioned that most CLL patients are old and tolerate chemo. Of course the decision has to be taken by treating oncologist.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Sir, as suggested by doctor and yourself, if she treated with Chemotherapy for 6 cycles, is she expected to normal as like us and in future is there any chances for repeating the same problem?
Brief Answer:
yes she can have normal life
Detailed Answer:
However, CLL is incurable. Eventually it comes back. But definitely long term disease free interval can be achieved (even >5 years)
yes she can have normal life
Detailed Answer:
However, CLL is incurable. Eventually it comes back. But definitely long term disease free interval can be achieved (even >5 years)
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
