Leukemia

Our team of hematologists, pathologists, cancer geneticists, and a care team focused in acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and related disorders work to provide you the most-effective treatments medicine has to offer, many available only through NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like ours.

Our tumor board meets weekly to discuss individual cases, review treatment plans and assess clinical trial eligibility. Personalized care plans are developed based on the most current discoveries in leukemia treatment, and research including genetic or molecular testing for specific gene mutations. Our blood cancer specialists are adept at translating these discoveries into better patient care and quality of life during and after treatment.

Request an Appointment

If you have been diagnosed with leukemia, we are ready to help you. Call us at (404) 778-0519 to make an appointment with a leukemia specialist. Winship experts are available to provide a second opinion.

We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Here is more information to help familiarize you with Winship and give you an idea of what to expect on your first visit.

Refer a Patient

Referring physicians, you or your staff may refer a patient by contacting us at (404) 778-0519 or via email. For information about our clinical trials, call (404) 778-1868 to speak with one of our research coordinators.

Acute leukemia involves a rapid growth of very immature blood cells and is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. Chronic leukemia involves the growth of more mature blood cells, and sometimes does not require immediate treatment. However, some chronic leukemias do progress to a form of acute leukemia.

The most common types of leukemia are:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL); the most common type of leukemia in children.
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML); the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); the most common type of leukemia in adults.
• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); a slow-growing leukemia affecting mostly older adults.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough normal blood cells, and may progress into acute leukemia.

Depending on your diagnosis and the stage of your leukemia, your treatment options will vary and may include:

Targeted Therapy: This treatment approach uses drugs that work by attacking specific parts of cancer cells. Targeted therapy is used to treat certain types of acute leukemias, and may be used in combination with chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for leukemia and may involve one or a combination of anticancer drugs that destroy cancer cells. Each type of leukemia is sensitive to different combinations of chemotherapy.

Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation: This treatment consists of destroying cancerous bone marrow cells using higher doses of chemotherapy and in some cases, radiotherapy, and then replacing them with healthy bone marrow or stem cells to help patients build a new and healthy immune system. Winship has pioneered many advances in bone marrow transplant procedures and drugs.

Cellular Therapy: CAR T-cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that uses a patient's own white blood cells (T-cells) to recognize and kill cancerous cells. Through genetic engineering, the white blood cells are able to recognize specific antigens located on tumor cells. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved CAR T-cell therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Winship's Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Center has pioneered many advances in stem cell transplant and cellular therapy procedures and drugs.

Some specific leukemias may also be treated with monoclonal therapy and biological therapy.

Clinical Trials

One of your best options may be participation in a clinical trial. Our leukemia patients have access to some of the most advanced cancer treatments and clinical trials offered anywhere. Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship.

Supportive Oncology Care

In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a cancer diagnosis and of dealing with treatment. Our supportive oncology team addresses these issues in a timely manner with additional support from counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians and social service professionals.