What is leukemia?
What is leukemia?Leukemia is a form of blood cancer that affects bone marrow and blood cells. In acute leukemia, immature white blood cells grow rapidly, causing severe symptoms over a short period of time. In chronic leukemia, abnormal cells grow more slowly, and in some cases, immediate treatment may not be needed.
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with leukemia or are experiencing a relapse, NewYork-Presbyterian offers comprehensive care and support for both acute and chronic leukemias, with treatment tailored to your specific diagnosis and needs.
Understanding your leukemia type
Understanding your leukemia typeAt NewYork-Presbyterian, your journey begins with identifying your exact leukemia subtype. This is essential because treatment depends on the specific type of leukemia you have, and helps ensure you find the right leukemia specialist for your care.
Acute leukemias
Acute leukemias grow quickly and typically require immediate treatment.
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): A fast-growing leukemia that affects myeloid cells. Treatment may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and, in some cases, stem cell transplantation.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): A rapidly progressing leukemia of lymphoid cells. Treatment often includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. ALL may also require stem cell transplantation.
Chronic Leukemias
Chronic leukemias tend to grow more slowly, and in some cases, treatment may be delayed or carefully monitored. For instance, patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) may be treated with targeted oral therapies that help control the disease over time.
Rare and complex leukemia types
Our experts also care for patients with less common or more complex leukemias, including but not limited to:
- Hairy cell leukemia
- Prolymphocytic leukemia
- Adult T-cell leukemia
- Therapy-related leukemia
Each diagnosis is reviewed carefully to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
Personalized care for leukemia
Personalized care for leukemiaAt NewYork-Presbyterian, we carefully assess your disease using the most advanced diagnostic techniques to understand your specific leukemia type and how it affects your body. We consider your subtype, overall health, and how quickly treatment needs to begin. Our experts will explain your treatment options clearly and give you time to ask questions and share your preferences.
For some patients, particularly older adults, we also offer less-intensive treatment approaches designed to balance effectiveness with quality of life.
A multidisciplinary team of experts
Your care is guided by a coordinated team of specialists who work together to support patients from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
- Hematopathologists: Specially trained pathologists who confirm your exact leukemia subtype.
- Hematology oncologists: Experienced doctors who lead and coordinate your cancer treatment.
- Oncology-trained nurses: Specialized caregivers who manage your day-to-day treatments and side effects.
- Support staff: Your team also includes nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, and care coordinators.
Providers may also collaborate with specialists in palliative care, psychiatry, infectious disease, and nutrition to ensure your care is holistic and highly personalized
Treatment options for leukemia
Treatment options for leukemiaTreatment for leukemia depends on the specific type and subtype of cancer. Effective options may include:
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Stem cell transplantation
Stem cell transplantation may be recommended for certain patients, particularly those with AML and ALL, who may be at higher risk of relapse with chemotherapy alone.
NewYork-Presbyterian performs more than 200 stem cell transplants each year.
If a transplant is part of your treatment plan, you can expect:
- Advanced, specialized transplant units
- Close, continuous monitoring
- Unique airflow systems to help protect patients with weakened immune systems
Clinical trials and research
NewYork-Presbyterian participates in clinical trials for all types of leukemia. These studies provide access to investigational therapies that may offer new treatment options.
Through clinical trials, patients may benefit from:
- New and emerging therapies
- Advanced treatment combiniations
- Cutting-edge approaches to targeted and immune-based care
Our scientists are also actively researching how leukemia develops, with the goal of improving outcomes and advancing future treatments.
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editor.
Get cancer care at NewYork-Presbyterian
If you’ve been diagnosed with leukemia, getting care from an experienced leukemia specialist can help guide your next steps.