Leukemia is a type of cancer that causes bone marrow to make abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal cells eventually crowd out normal blood cells in the bone marrow, which causes low blood counts and symptoms related to low blood counts.
Types of Leukemia
There are different types of leukemia, including:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), in which the bone marrow makes abnormal white blood cells that grow quickly. AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.
- Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia where immature white blood cells called promyelocytes build up in the bone marrow, which can cause bleeding. APL is rare subtype of leukemia in the United States.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells and progresses rapidly. ALL is typically seen in teens and children but can also be diagnosed in older patients.
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), or chronic myelogenous leukemia, is a blood and bone marrow cancer that causes the bone marrow to produce too many white blood cells. CML is seen mostly in adults, but very rarely in children, too.
Leukemia Symptoms
During early stages of leukemia, you may have very mild symptoms that may not require treatment right away. In the advanced stage, leukemia symptoms can include the following:
- Fatigue or low energy
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent fever or infections
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain or a feeling of fullness below the ribs
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible so you can be evaluated.
The Rush Approach to Leukemia Care
The number of treatments for leukemia continues to increase — offering you more effective options with less intense side effects.
Our expert team of leukemia specialists is at the leading edge of these therapies, and we treat a high volume of patients. This level of expertise helps us determine the best treatment plan for you, which may include one or more of the following:
- Observation, with regular testing to monitor your condition
- Chemotherapy, using drugs that damage or kill abnormal B lymphocytes
- Targeted therapy, using monoclonal antibodies or oral targeted therapies to target specific markers on leukemia cells
- Follow-up care to monitor your condition
- Stem cell or bone marrow transplantation, which may be an option if your leukemia is not responding to other treatments
Meet our leukemia providers
Inpatient Leukemia Treatment at Rush
Typically, you will receive your leukemia treatment as an inpatient in the hospital. We understand the personal challenges of an inpatient treatment plan. During your treatment, we'll address not only your physical needs, but also the emotional stress and anxiety that come with intensive inpatient care.
We also know how important it is to start treatment quickly when you have leukemia, so we can get you in to see a leukemia specialist within 24 hours of your call. And when you’re ready, we will work closely with you and your loved ones to make your transition from inpatient to outpatient care as smooth as possible.
Leukemia Second Opinion
If you’re seeking a second opinion, our leukemia experts are here to help. We understand that certain leukemias can progress quickly, so we'll schedule your second opinion appointment right away to help you make a timely decision about your care.
During your appointment, your provider will review your symptoms, medical records and any test results. They may ask about any changes in your physical abilities or daily activities, such as running or walking, and discuss your goals for care.
After reviewing everything, your provider will recommend the best course of treatment for you. This typically means getting you into our clinic within 24 to 48 hours to start treatment. If you prefer outpatient treatment and you are a good candidate for it, we'll coordinate any arrangements, so you can begin treatment as soon as possible. If you're still undecided at the end of your appointment, our team will follow up within a couple of days to confirm your decision.
To schedule a second opinion appointment, call (312) CANCER-1.
Rush Excellence in Leukemia Care
- Nationally ranked experts: Rush University Medical Center is ranked among the best in the nation for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Our cancer specialists welcome your questions and will work with you every step of the way.
- Care right when you need it: We know how important it is to start treatment quickly when you have leukemia. You can see a leukemia specialist at Rush within 24 hours of your call. We also work closely with our emergency department and referring physicians outside of Rush to ensure that patients who need to transfer leukemia care to Rush are seen as quickly as possible.
- A team focused on you: You may receive care through The Coleman Foundation Comprehensive Leukemia Clinic at Rush University Medical Center. In this clinic, your care team — which may include hematologists, bone marrow transplant physicians, radiologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists and advanced practice providers — brings their collective expertise together to develop an individualized treatment plan for you.
- Molecular profiling for leukemia: Our team also performs molecular profiling — which analyzes your unique genetic makeup — on all newly diagnosed patients. This helps your care team make personalized treatment recommendations and decisions that will be most effective for you.
- Outstanding stem cell transplant outcomes: You may need a stem cell transplant as part of your leukemia treatment. The bone marrow and stem cell transplant program at Rush has excellent outcomes, with a 100% survival rate for the first 180 days after transplant. The program is also accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy — the highest level of accreditation that recognizes Rush’s compliance with quality standards for cell collection, laboratory processing and transplantation.
- Access to clinical trials: Rush cancer specialists are known for pioneering research and offer access to clinical trials that are looking at novel approaches for treating leukemia.
- Supportive oncology care: You will also have access to supportive oncology services, which offer integrative therapies to complement traditional leukemia treatments. The program offers mental health counseling, nutritional counseling, acupuncture and massage. The team can also connect you to other resources, such as financial counseling and transportation assistance, to help you and your family through the physical, social and emotional challenges of leukemia treatment. Waterford Place at Rush Copley Medical Center also offers free supportive services to anyone who is diagnosed with cancer.
- Follow-up care and infusion centers close to you: While you'll receive inpatient treatment and stem cell transplants at Rush University Medical Center, you can get your infusion treatments and follow-up appointments at locations across the Chicago region.
- Smooth transition from inpatient to outpatient: We have a dedicated nurse coordinator who will help coordinate your follow-up appointments and guide you through your outpatient care.
FAQs About Leukemia
Leukemia is often first suspected through blood tests that show abnormal blood cell counts, such as low levels of white cells, red cells and platelets, or sometimes a high white blood cell count. A blood test called a white blood cell differential is then done to find immature cells, like leukemia cells called blasts. If these are found, a bone marrow biopsy is done to confirm a leukemia diagnosis. A bone marrow sample can also help identify any changes in chromosomes and genes, which helps your doctor decide the best treatment for you.
As treatments for leukemia have improved, many people are now able to live long lives. But exactly how long depends on what type of leukemia, whether it’s acute (fast-growing) or chronic (slower-moving), your age, your treatments and if you experience any other health problems. For more information, check with your doctor.
Leukemia can develop at any age and varies by type. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is most common in children ages 2 to 5, while acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia are typically diagnosed in people over 50.
Each type of leukemia has its own staging system. A complete blood count and tissue biopsy can help doctors determine the type and stage of leukemia, or whether your leukemia is in remission or not.
It can be hard to predict a leukemia diagnosis, but there are certain factors that may increase your risk. They may include smoking, being around certain chemicals at work, some genetic conditions, other cancer treatments, race, gender, age and family history.
Side effects of treatment for leukemia can vary but may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, change in appetite, changes in taste, weight loss or gain, fever, infections, anemia, dizziness, lightheadedness and headaches. It’s important to talk with your doctor before starting treatment to review these side effects.
Yes, leukemia can be cured, but the treatment needed for a cure can be different for everyone and may depend on the type of leukemia. In some cases, a stem cell transplant is needed for a cure.
When first diagnosed, you may spend a few weeks in the hospital, depending on the leukemia type. Your doctor might recommend taking time off work, especially if it's physically demanding, to focus on treatment. And if your treatment requires only a few hospital visits per week, time off might still be advised. Talk with your doctor about what works best for you.
Depending on your type of leukemia and treatment plan, you can usually return to normal activities within six months, or sometimes sooner.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Rush University Medical Center among the best in the nation for cancer care.
