Leukemia is a form of blood cancer. In acute leukemia, immature white blood cells grow rapidly, causing severe symptoms over a short period of time. In chronic leukemia, the abnormal cells grow more slowly, and in some cases, immediate treatment is not needed. Whether you've just been diagnosed with leukemia or are experiencing a relapse of your disease, NewYork-Presbyterian offers comprehensive care and support for both acute and chronic leukemias.
Our Approach to Care
Our Approach to CarePersonalized treatment
At NewYork-Presbyterian, we carefully assess your disease using the most advanced diagnostic techniques. We consider your leukemia type, your overall health, and how quickly you need to start treatment. Our experts will explain your treatment options to you and your loved ones and give you time to voice your opinion and preferences. We also offer specialized leukemia care with less-intensive treatments for older patients.
A multidisciplinary team of experts
Our expert physicians provide care through a team approach — from diagnosis through survivorship. Following a diagnosis from one of our specially trained pathologists (hematopathologists) your care will be driven by our highly experienced hematology oncologists.
As treatment continues in or outside the hospital, your team will include oncology-trained nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and social workers. We can connect you with palliative care, psychiatry, and physicians from other specialties depending on your needs. We approach your needs holistically and as a team — one of the many advantages of seeking cancer care at a world-renowned academic medical center.
Comprehensive leukemia care
Treatment for leukemia depends on the specific type of cancer. For instance, targeted therapy or immunotherapy are preferred methods to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Other forms of leukemia are treated with chemotherapy alone or combined with other drugs, targeted therapies, or immunotherapy. If you have acute leukemia that has spread to your brain, radiation therapy may be administered in one of our modern radiation therapy units.
Exceptional experience in stem cell transplantation
Transplants are done as part of initial therapy—particularly for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), since patients may be at high risk for relapse if they receive chemotherapy only. NewYork-Presbyterian performs more than 200 stem cell transplants a year. If your doctor recommends stem cell transplantation, you can be assured that our advanced stem cell transplant units offer individual monitoring and unique airflow systems for patients with weakened immune systems.
Cutting-edge clinical trials
We participate in clinical trials for all types of leukemia. These studies offer you access to investigational therapies that show promise for fighting cancer. Scientists in our laboratories are also researching the intricacies of leukemia development and applying their findings to create better therapies.
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