Leukemia Outcomes

First, it’s difficult to see in a snapshot, but leukemia survival rates are improving every day, thanks to new treatment options like targeted therapy and immunotherapy, including bone marrow transplant. Second, leukemia survival rates are highly individualized, so averages tend to be misleading. Your chances of survival depend greatly on your specific cancer and where you go for diagnosis and treatment.

At Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are a leader in leukemia treatment and research. We develop and deliver the latest, most effective leukemia treatments with the fewest side effects. As a result, our outcomes — including survival rates, recurrence rates and management of long-term side effects — are better than most other cancer centers in the U.S.

Winship is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Georgia. The designation is reserved for only the top cancer centers in the country that meet rigorous standards, including state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge treatments, breakthrough research and lifesaving clinical trials.

Because NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers like Winship represent the most innovative cancer centers in the nation, it’s no surprise they also have the best survival rates. Research shows survival rates are up to 25% higher when starting treatment at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Researchers attribute these higher survival rates to surgical expertise, guideline compliance, access to clinical trials and team approaches to treatment planning, all of which contribute to Winship’s exceptional standard of care.

While many patients with acute leukemia will go into remission following treatment and never have the disease again, others will face a recurrence. Leukemia recurrence is most likely during treatment or within the first few years after treatment has ended. That’s why, at Winship, we consider treatment outcomes and leukemia recurrence rates from your very first visit.

We’re dedicated to offering long-lasting treatment and post-treatment follow-up care and surveillance. We analyze your specific leukemia and the genomic components driving it to help us determine which treatment is most likely to ensure the best possible leukemia prognosis — and prevent it from returning. Once you’ve completed treatment at Winship, we will continue your care with follow-up visits for at least five years to ensure you remain cancer-free and assist you with the management of any long-term side effects of treatment.

When it comes to leukemia outcomes, it’s important to consider side effects that may be associated with the cancer itself and the treatment. At Winship, we provide you with the most powerful and precise treatments available with the least adverse side effects. Still, patients with leukemia contend with fatigue and are particularly vulnerable to infections. We’ll closely monitor your overall health throughout your care and address your symptoms every step of the way — it’s a part of your treatment plan we take very seriously. And we’ll work with you on coping with the psychological and emotional aspects of leukemia treatment for as long as you need us.