Recurrence of leukemia

A recurrence is when the leukemia goes into remission after treatment and then comes back. For many people with recurrence, the leukemia can go back into remission with additional treatment. A blood and bone marrow transplant is often considered for recurrent leukemia. However, secondary remissions are often temporary.

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If the leukemia continues to recur or persist after subsequent treatments, you and your doctor will have to weigh the possible benefits of additional treatments with potential side effects. Your doctor may recommend focusing treatment on relieving the symptoms of the leukemia.

In these circumstances, less intensive chemotherapy may be undertaken to slow the growth of the leukemia instead of trying to eradicate it. Treatment therapies usually focus on controlling pain, fatigue, depression, nausea, and loss of appetite. Blood transfusions may be undertaken to minimize fatigue. Continued growth of leukemia in the bone marrow can be very painful. Narcotics may be necessary if other medications do not alleviate the pain. Other medications may be prescribed to minimize symptoms such as fatigue, depression, nausea, and loss of appetite.