Chemotherapy uses special drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells by killing the cells and/or keeping them from dividing. For the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia, doctors may recommend “single agent” chemotherapy (using one type of chemotherapy drug) or a combination of chemotherapy drugs (“combination agent” chemotherapy). “High-dose” chemotherapy refers to doses of chemotherapy that are several times greater than the standard dose. For CML patients, high-dose chemotherapy is often followed by an infusion of stem cells to help repopulate the bone marrow with healthy cells.
Chemotherapy may be administered in the form of a tablet or intravenously. High-dose chemotherapy is given intravenously and typically requires a hospital stay. In some cases, a plastic tube called a “central line” may be put in a vein in your chest, to prevent you from having to undergo frequent injections and to make you more comfortable. The tube may also be used to give other drugs and to collect blood samples.
Side effects of chemotherapy can include sore mouth, nausea, fatigue, anemia, increased bruising and bleeding, and heightened risk of infection. You may be given other medications to help prevent or alleviate some of these side effects. For example, you may be given medicine to reduce the chance of developing infections. If you do get an infection, you will likely be treated with antibiotics. Anemia may be treated with blood transfusions. Anemia may also be treated with drugs that are used to increase the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. You may receive a transfusion of platelets to help prevent bruising and bleeding. Anti-nausea drugs may also be prescribed, and special mouth washes can help prevent or alleviate mouth sores. Hair loss may also result from high-dose chemotherapy.
This Web site is sponsored by the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. Please understand that the information provided is not medical advice, but is simply offered as a resource to help you learn about chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and benzene. Please discuss your health-related questions and concerns with your doctor.
Benzene can cause chronic myelogenous leukemia and other blood cancers and disorders. If you have been diagnosed with CML leukemia and would like information about your legal rights, please call us at 800-946-9646 or e-mail us at
Please also visit our glossary for helpful definitions of medical terms relating to the diagnosis and treatment of CML.
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If you or a loved one has AML, NHL, MDS, or Aplastic Anemia and was exposed to benzene or other solvents or chemicals on the job, contact Baron & Budd for a free legal consulation.
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