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Biological Therapy
People with some types of leukemia have biological therapy. This
type of treatment improves the body’s natural defenses
against cancer. The therapy is given by injection into a vein.
For some patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia,
the type of biological therapy used is a
monoclonal antibody.
This substance binds to the leukemia cells. This therapy enables the
immune system to kill leukemia cells in the blood and bone
marrow.
For some patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, the biological
therapy is a natural substance called
interferon. This
substance can slow the growth of leukemia cells.
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Patients may want to ask these questions about
chemotherapy or biological therapy:
Why do I need this treatment?
What drugs will I get?
Should I see my dentist before treatment begins?
What will the treatment do?
Will I have to stay in the hospital?
How will we know the drugs are working?
How long will I be on this treatment?
Will I have side effects
during treatment? How long will
they last? What can I do about
them?
Can these drugs cause side effects later on?
How often will
I need checkups?
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