Leukemia - T-CellLast Updated: July 12, 2011 This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 04/11 Overview
About leukemia Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. Leukemia begins when normal blood cells change and grow uncontrollably. Blood cells are made in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the larger bones in the body. There are different types of blood cells, including red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body, white blood cells that fight infection, and platelets that help the blood to clot. Changes in the bone marrow cells can cause too many or too few of certain blood cells. Types of leukemia are named after the specific blood cell that becomes cancerous, such as the lymphoid cells (a type of white blood cell) or the myeloid cells (bone marrow cells that turn into cells that fight bacterial infections). There are four main types of leukemia in adults:
About T-cell leukemia There are also less common types of leukemia, but they are generally subcategories of one of the four main categories listed above. This section focuses on different types of chronic T-cell lymphocytic leukemia, a subtype of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A T cell is a type of white blood cell that directly helps body’s immune system fight infection. The subtypes of T-cell leukemia include: Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGLL). LGLL is a slow-growing T-cell leukemia and is more common in women than in men. The cause of LGLL is unknown, although about 30% of people with LGLL also have rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic disease causing swelling in the joints of the hands, feet, wrists, knees, hips, or shoulders). T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL). T-PLL is an aggressive subtype of CLL. It is more common in older men, but women may also develop T-PLL. It can affect the skin, but in a different way than Sezary syndrome (see below). Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). ATLL has four subtypes. Depending on the different features, it is subclassified as smoldering, chronic, acute, or adult T-cell lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system). The acute and the adult T-cell lymphoma subtypes grow quickly. ATLL is caused by a retrovirus called the human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV1). Sezary syndrome. Sezary syndrome is a form of mycosis fungoides, a T-cell lymphoma that occurs in the skin. Sezary syndrome is usually slow-growing and takes years to develop from mycosis fungoides, which is located only on the skin. Sezary syndrome is generally diagnosed when large numbers of the lymphoma cells are found in the blood, often together with reddening of the skin. Find out more about basic cancer terms used in this section. Looking for More of an Overview? If you would like additional introductory information, explore these related items on Cancer.Net:
Or, choose “Next” (below, right) to continue reading this detailed section. To select a specific topic within this section, use the icon panel located on the right side of your screen. Statistics
This year, an estimated 44,600 people of all ages (25,320 men and 19,280 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with leukemia. Of these, an estimated 14,570 people (8,520 men and 6,050 women) will be diagnosed with CLL. T-cell leukemia is rare and the number of people diagnosed each year is much lower. Cancer statistics should be interpreted with caution. These estimates are based on data from thousands of people with this type of cancer in the United States each year, but the actual risk for a particular individual may differ. It is not possible to tell a person how long he or she will live with leukemia. Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society's publication, Cancer Facts and Figures 2011. Risk Factors
A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors can influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices. In general, leukemia can be caused by a genetic mutation (change) that is inherited (passed from generation to generation within a family) or environmental factors, such as smoking or exposure to chemicals or radiation. However, most often the cause of leukemia is not known. The following risk factor can increase a person’s chance of developing T-cell leukemia: Race/Ethnicity. ATLL is more common in people of Japanese, West Indian, and African American descent. Symptoms and Signs
People with T-cell leukemia may experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, people with T-cell leukemia do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer. If you are concerned about a symptom or sign on this list, please talk with your doctor.
Your doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms you are experiencing to help find out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis. This may include how long you’ve been experiencing the symptom(s) and how often. If leukemia is diagnosed, relieving symptoms and side effects remains an important part of care and treatment. This may also be called symptom management, palliative care, or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms. Diagnosis
Doctors use many blood and bone marrow tests to diagnose leukemia and to find out how much it may have spread. Although a patient’s signs and symptoms may cause a doctor to suspect leukemia, it is diagnosed only by blood and/or bone marrow tests. Some tests may also determine which treatments may be the most effective. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:
In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose T-cell leukemia: Blood tests. The diagnosis of T-cell leukemia begins with a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) that measures the numbers of different types of cells in the blood. If the blood contains many white blood cells, T-cell leukemia may be suspected. Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration. These two procedures are similar and often done at the same time. Bone marrow has both a solid and a liquid part. A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of a small amount of solid tissue using a needle. An aspiration removes a sample of fluid with a needle. The sample(s) are then analyzed by a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease). A common site for a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration is the pelvic bone, which is located in the lower back by the hip. The skin is usually numbed with medication beforehand, and other types of anesthesia may be used. Immunophenotyping. Immunophenotyping is the examination of antigens, a specific type of protein, on the surface of the leukemia cells. Immunophenotyping allows the doctor to confirm the exact type of leukemia. Cytogenetics. Cytogenetics is the examination of the leukemia cells for chromosome (long strands of genes) abnormalities. It helps doctors confirm the diagnosis and may help determine the person’s prognosis (chance of recovery). Skin biopsy. A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of skin tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to look for T cells in the skin. Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan creates a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body with an x-ray machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed, cross-sectional view that shows any abnormalities, including swollen lymph nodes or a swollen spleen. Sometimes, a contrast medium (a special dye) is injected into a patient’s vein to provide better detail. Find more about what to expect when having common tests, procedures, and scans. After these diagnostic tests are done, your doctor will review all of the results with you. If the diagnosis is cancer, these results also help the doctor describe the cancer. Learn more about the first steps to take after a diagnosis of cancer. Staging
Staging is a way of describing a cancer, such as where it is located, if or where it has spread, and whether it is affecting the functions of other organs in the body. Doctors use diagnostic tests to determine the cancer's stage, so staging may not be complete until all of the tests are finished. Knowing the stage helps the doctor to decide what kind of treatment is best and can help predict a patient's prognosis. There are different stage descriptions for different types of cancer. Unlike most solid tumors, there is no standard staging system for LGLL, T-PLL, ATLL, or Sezary syndrome. Talk with your doctor for details on how your specific diagnosis will be evaluated. Treatment
This section outlines treatments that are the standard of care (the best proven treatments available) for this specific type of cancer. When making treatment plan decisions, patients are also encouraged to consider clinical trials as an option. A clinical trial is a research study to test a new treatment to evaluate whether it is safe, effective, and possibly better than standard treatment. Your doctor can help you review all treatment options. For more information, see the Clinical Trials and Current Research sections. Treatment overview In cancer care, different types of doctors often work together to create a patient’s overall treatment plan that combines different types of treatments. This is called a multidisciplinary team. The goal of treatment for a blood cancer is to bring about a remission (absence of cancer symptoms; also called “no evidence of disease” or NED). Descriptions of the most common treatment options for T-cell leukemia are listed below, followed by an outline of the treatment options by each subtype. Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and subtype of leukemia, possible side effects, and the patient’s preferences and overall health. Learn more about making treatment decisions. Active surveillance/watch and wait This approach means that the doctor closely monitors the patient, and active treatment begins only when the leukemia shows signs of worsening. It may also be called active surveillance or watchful waiting. Patients are monitored using blood and other tests at regularly scheduled checkups to track blood cell counts and look for other symptoms that the leukemia is worsening. Studies have shown that, for people with certain disease characteristics, the watch-and-wait approach is not harmful when compared with early treatment. Treatment begins when people develop signs that the disease is worsening, such as increasing fatigue, night sweats, enlarged lymph nodes, or falling blood cell counts. People with leukemia are encouraged to talk with their doctors about whether their symptoms need treatment, and to consider the benefits of treatment compared with the side effects of treatment. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, usually by stopping the cancer cells’ ability to grow and divide. Systemic chemotherapy is delivered through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is given by a medical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with medication, or a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders. A chemotherapy regimen (schedule) usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a set period of time. A patient may receive one drug at a time or combinations of different drugs at the same time. The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the dose used, but they can include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. These side effects usually go away once treatment is finished. Learn more about chemotherapy and preparing for treatment. The medications used to treat cancer are continually being evaluated. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for you, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Learn more about your prescriptions by using searchable drug databases. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy (also called biologic therapy) is designed to boost the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer. It uses materials made either by the body or in a laboratory to bolster, target, or restore immune system function. Recombinant interferon alpha (Alferon, Roferon-A, Intron A) is used as a treatment for ATLL. Interferon is a natural protein found in the body that stimulates the immune system. Learn more about immunotherapy. Targeted therapy Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. This type of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells while limiting damage to normal cells, usually leading to fewer side effects than other cancer medications. Recent studies show that not all cancers have the same targets. To find the most effective treatment, your doctor may run tests to identify the genes, proteins, and other factors involved in your leukemia. As a result, doctors can better match each patient with the most effective treatment whenever possible. In addition, many research studies are taking place now to find out more about specific molecular targets and new treatments directed at them. Learn more about targeted treatments. For T-cell leukemia, a type of targeted therapy called monoclonal antibodies may be used. In particular, monoclonal antibodies are targeted against specific proteins on the surface of the leukemia cells that can kill some of the leukemia cells. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy is the use of x-rays or other high-energy particles to kill cancer cells. A doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer is called a radiation oncologist. The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body. When radiation treatment is given using implants, it is called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy. A radiation therapy regimen (schedule) usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time. Side effects from radiation therapy include fatigue, mild skin reactions, upset stomach, and loose bowel movements. Most side effects go away soon after treatment is finished. Learn more about radiation therapy. Surgery Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy), which also produces white blood cells, may be recommended for some patients. A surgical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer using surgery. Learn more about cancer surgery. Stem cell transplantation/bone marrow transplantation A stem cell transplant is a medical procedure in which diseased bone marrow is replaced by highly specialized cells, called hematopoietic stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells are found both in the bloodstream and in the bone marrow. Today, this procedure is more commonly called a stem cell transplant, rather than bone marrow transplant, because it is the blood stem cells that are typically being transplanted, not the actual bone marrow tissue. Stem cell transplantation is not a common treatment option for people with T-cell leukemia, because it is not always an effective treatment for this disease and because many patients with this disease are older and the risks of the procedure are higher. Before recommending transplantation, doctors will talk with the patient about the risks of this treatment and consider several other factors, such as the type of cancer, results of any previous treatment, and patient’s age and general health. In an ALLO transplant, stem cells are obtained from a donor whose tissue matches the patient’s on a genetic level; this testing is called HLA-typing. Most often, a patient’s brother or sister serves as the donor, although unrelated donors can serve as the donor too. Millions of people worldwide have volunteered to donate stem cells for patients who do not have matched family members; your health care team will search a computer registry to look for a match. In addition, a donation of stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood is sometimes considered if family donors are not available. In an AUTO transplant, the patient’s own stem cells are used. The stem cells are obtained from the patient when he or she is in remission from previous treatment. The stem cells are then frozen until they are needed, usually after the high-dose treatment (explained below) is completed. In both types, the goal of transplantation is to destroy disease cells in the marrow, blood, and other parts of the body and allow replacement blood stem cells create healthy bone marrow. In most stem cell transplants, the patient is treated with high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to destroy as many cancer cells as possible. This also destroys the patient’s bone marrow tissue and suppresses the patient’s immune system so that, in an ALLO transplant, the donor cells are not rejected by the body. After the high-dose treatment is given, blood stem cells are infused into the patient’s vein to replace the bone marrow and restore normal blood counts from donor cells. Sometimes, ALLO transplants can also be performed after giving lower doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy that are still sufficient to suppress the immune system and allow growth of the donor cells. (These transplants, sometimes termed “mini-transplants” or reduced intensity transplants, have less immediate side effects, allowing the procedure to be used for older patients.) In an ALLO transplant, another major risk is that the donor’s cells will recognize the patient’s body as foreign, causing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD may be a serious complication of allogeneic transplants and can be fatal. Other side effects may include liver problems, diarrhea, infections, and rashes. However, GVHD can also be a benefit because the donor cells can recognize the disease cells as foreign and destroy these cells, a mechanism that is one of the major reasons why ALLO transplantation generally works so well over the long term. The risk of GVHD can be reduced with exact HLA-type matching and the use of preventive drugs. In an AUTO transplant, there is little risk of GVHD because the replacement stem cells are the patient’s own cells. However, there is a risk in an autologous transplant that some of the cells that are put back into the patient could still contain disease. Learn more about bone marrow and stem cell transplantation. Treatments specific to T-cell leukemia type LGLL. LGLL sometimes needs no treatment other than the watch-and-wait approach during its early stages, but treatment may begin once symptoms develop. Sometimes, low levels of neutrophils cause infections that need antibiotic treatment. When treatment for the disease is needed, LGLL can be treated with drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine (multiple brand names), cyclophosphamide (Clafen, Cytoxan, Neosar), or low-dose methotrexate (multiple brand names). Treatment with oral cyclosporine may be recommended when low levels of neutrophils or platelets cause the major problem. Treatment with growth factors, such as filgrastim (Neupogen), which can stimulate the growth of neutrophils is sometimes used when infections because of low neutrophil counts become a problem. Treatment with combination chemotherapy is sometimes used if the disease is worsening quickly. Combination chemotherapy is similar to that used for aggressive lymphoma. Learn more about non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment. T-PLL. T-PLL may be treated with drugs that include fludarabine (Fludara), chlorambucil (multiple brand names), cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar), pentostatin (Nipent), and prednisone. Alemtuzumab (Campath) is a monoclonal antibody (see Targeted therapy above) that targets a specific protein on the surface of certain T cells and has helped manage T-PLL for some patients. Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). ATLL may be treated with zidovudine (Retrovir) and recombinant interferon alpha if it is in the chronic or acute phase. The goal of treatment is to strengthen the immune system and treat the human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV). The lymphoma phase is usually treated with combination chemotherapy. Sezary syndrome. Treatments for Sezary syndrome may be focused on the skin and include systemic whole-body treatments. Skin treatments include skin creams; phototherapy (the use of light to kill cancer cells); and radiation therapy, including total skin electron-beam radiation therapy, which can treat the entire surface of the skin. Systemic treatments for Sezary syndrome include chemotherapy, oral bexarotene (Targretin; a drug that is similar to vitamin A), denileukin diftitox (Ontak), alpha interferon, and sometimes ALLO stem cell transplantation. Alemtuzumab may also be effective for treating this disease. Recently, vorinostat (Zolinza) and romidepsin (Istodax), drugs from a new class of drugs called histone deacetylase inhibitors, were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma when other treatments do not work. The choice of treatment depends on the extent of the disease and other factors. Recurrent T-cell leukemia Once your treatment is complete and there is a remission, talk with your doctor about the possibility of the leukemia returning. Many survivors feel worried or anxious that the leukemia will come back. Learn more about coping with this fear. If the leukemia does return after the original treatment, it is called recurrent leukemia. When this occurs, a cycle of testing will begin again to learn as much as possible about the recurrence. After testing is done, you and your doctor will talk about your treatment options. Often the treatment plan will include the therapies described above (such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation) but may be used in a different combination or given at a different pace. Your doctor may also suggest clinical trials that are studying new ways to treat this type of recurrent leukemia. People with recurrent leukemia often experience emotions such as disbelief or fear. Patients are encouraged to talk with their health care team about these feelings and ask about support services to help them cope. Learn more about dealing with a recurrence. Refractory T-cell leukemia If the leukemia continues to worsen despite treatment, it is called refractory leukemia. Patients with this diagnosis are encouraged to talk with doctors who are experienced in treating this type of leukemia, because there can be different opinions about the best treatment plan or whether further treatment is recommended. Learn more about seeking a second opinion before starting treatment so you are comfortable with the treatment plan chosen. This discussion may include clinical trials studying new treatments. This diagnosis is stressful and it may be difficult to discuss. However, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your doctor and health care team to express your feelings, preferences, and concerns. The health care team is there to help, and many team members have special skills, experience, and knowledge to support patients and their families. Learn more about advanced cancer care planning. In addition to treatment to slow, stop, or eliminate the cancer (also called disease-directed treatment), an important part of cancer care is relieving a person’s symptoms and side effects. It includes supporting the patient with his or her physical, emotional, and social needs, an approach called palliative or supportive care. People often receive disease-directed therapy and treatment to ease symptoms at the same time. Find out more about common terms used during cancer treatment. About Clinical Trials
Doctors and scientists are always looking for better ways to treat patients with T-cell leukemia. To make scientific advances, doctors create research studies involving people, called clinical trials. Many clinical trials are focused on new treatments, evaluating whether a new treatment is safe, effective, and possibly better than the current (standard) treatment. These types of studies evaluate new drugs, different combinations of existing treatments, new approaches to radiation therapy or surgery, and new methods of treatment. Patients who participate in clinical trials are often among the first to receive new treatments before they are widely available. However, there is no guarantee that the new treatment will be safe, effective, or better than a standard treatment. There are also clinical trials that study new ways to ease symptoms and side effects during treatment and manage the late effects that may occur after treatment. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials regarding side effects. In addition, there are ongoing studies about ways to prevent the disease. Patients decide to participate in clinical trials for many reasons. For some patients, a clinical trial is the best treatment option available. Because standard treatments are not perfect, patients are often willing to face the added uncertainty of a clinical trial in the hope of a better result. Other patients volunteer for clinical trials because they know that these studies are the only way to make progress in treating T-cell leukemia. Even if they do not benefit directly from the clinical trial, their participation may benefit future patients with T-cell leukemia Sometimes people have concerns that, by participating in a clinical trial, they may receive no treatment by being given a placebo or a “sugar pill.” The use of placebos in cancer clinical trials is rare. When a placebo is used in a study, it is done with the full knowledge of the participants. Find out more about placebos in cancer clinical trials. To join a clinical trial, patients must participate in a process known as informed consent. During informed consent, the doctor should list all of the patient’s options, so that the person understands how the new treatment differs from the standard treatment. The doctor must also list all of the risks of the new treatment, which may or may not be different from the risks of standard treatment. Finally, the doctor must explain what will be required of each patient in order to participate in the clinical trial, including the number of doctor visits, tests, and the schedule of treatment. Learn more about clinical trials, including patient safety, phases of a clinical trial, deciding to participate in a clinical trial, questions to ask the research team, and links to find cancer clinical trials. For specific topics being studied for T-cell leukemia, learn more in the Current Research section. Patients who participate in a clinical trial may stop participating at any time for any personal or medical reason. This may include that the new treatment is not working or there are serious side effects. It is important that patients participating in a clinical trial talk with their doctor and researchers about who will be providing their treatment and care during the clinical trial, after the clinical trial ends, and/or if the patient chooses to leave the clinical trial before it ends. Side Effects
Cancer and its treatment can cause a variety of side effects. However, doctors have made major strides in recent years in reducing pain, nausea and vomiting, and other physical side effects of cancer treatments. Many treatments used today are less intensive but as effective as treatments used in the past. Doctors also have many ways to provide relief to patients when such side effects occur. Fear of treatment side effects is common after a diagnosis of cancer, but it may be helpful to know that preventing and controlling side effects is a major focus of your health care team. Before treatment begins, talk with your doctor about possible side effects of the specific treatments you will be receiving. The specific side effects that can occur depend on a variety of factors, including the type of cancer, its location, the individual treatment plan (including the length and dosage of treatment), and your overall health. Common side effects for each treatment option are described in detail within the Treatment section. Ask your doctor which side effects are most likely to happen (and which are not), when side effects are likely to occur, and how they will be addressed by the health care team. Also, be sure to communicate with the doctor about side effects you experience during and after treatment. Care of a patient’s symptoms and side effects is an important part of a person’s overall treatment plan; this is called palliative or supportive care. It helps people with cancer at any stage of illness be as comfortable as possible. Learn more about the most common side effects of cancer and different treatments, along with ways to prevent or control them. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the level of caregiving you may need during treatment and recovery, as family members and friends often play an important role in the care of a person with T-cell leukemia. Learn more about caregiving. In addition to physical side effects, there may be psychosocial (emotional and social) effects as well. For many patients, a diagnosis of T-cell leukemia is stressful and can bring difficult emotions. Patients and their families are encouraged to share their feelings with a member of their health care team, who can help with coping strategies. Learn more about the importance of addressing such needs, including concerns about managing the cost of your cancer care. A side effect that occurs more than five years after treatment is called a late effect. Treatment of late effects is an important part of survivorship care. Learn more about late effects or long-term side effects by reading the After Treatment section or talking with your doctor. After Treatment
After treatment for T-cell leukemia ends, talk with your doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations, blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and possibly scans or other imaging tests to monitor your recovery for the coming months and years. Several long-term side effects from leukemia treatment may occur:
ASCO offers cancer treatment summary forms to help keep track of the cancer treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan once treatment is completed. People recovering from T-cell leukemia are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and having recommended cancer screening tests. People experiencing a long-term remission are encouraged to follow cancer screening recommendations for the general population. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan that is best for your needs. Moderate physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Your doctor can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about the next steps to take in survivorship, including making positive lifestyle changes. Find out more about common terms used after cancer treatment is complete. Current Research
Doctors are working to learn more about T-cell leukemia, ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with you doctor about the diagnostic and treatment options best for you. New treatment combinations. New treatments are being tested in clinical trials, including new combinations of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. For ATLL, several new treatments are being studied including bortezomib (Velcade); arsenic trioxide (Trisenox); and daclizumab (Zenapax), an anti-IL2 antibody. Other histone deacetylase inhibitors, such as romidepsin, are being researched for patients with mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome. Supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current T-cell leukemia treatments in order to improve patients’ comfort and quality of life. Learn more about common statistical terms used in cancer research. Looking for More about Current Research? If you would like additional information about the latest areas of research regarding leukemia, explore these related items:
Or, choose “Next” (below, right) to continue reading this detailed section. Questions to Ask the Doctor
Talking often with the doctor is important to make informed decision about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you.
Patient Information Resources
In addition to Cancer.Net, there are other sources of information about this type of cancer available online. Cancer.Net maintains a list of national, not-for-profit organizations that may be helpful in finding additional information, services, and support. As always, be sure to talk with your doctor about questions you may have about information you find about this disease. View organizations that offer information on this specific type of cancer. |
