10/30/08
Basics on Treatment Roadmap
The treatment is usually divided into blocks/phases, generally as:
Induction therapy: This is the first phase of treatment. Its purpose is to kill the leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow. This puts the leukemia into remission. This is also called the remission induction phase. (28 days completed)
Consolidation /intensification therapy: Second phase of therapy. It begins once the leukemia is in remission. The purpose of consolidation/intensification therapy is to kill any remaining leukemia cells that may not be active but could begin to regrow and cause a relapse.
(Roadmap shows approximately another 28 days)
A delayed intensification block is required in some protocols, which adds another 4-7 weeks of chemo.
Maintenance therapy: The third phase of treatment. Its purpose is to kill any remaining leukemia cells that may regrow and cause a relapse. Often the cancer treatments are given in lower doses than those used for induction and consolidation/intensification therapy. This is also called the continuation therapy phase. (Usually 1.5 to 2 years and hospital visits gradually become less frequent, assuming all stays on track)
Please continue to find time in your day and pray that Zoe's treatment continues to go well.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hey,Terrorist! You are a very brave little lady. We are all behind you, around you, and all over - praying for you. Keep on doing what you're doing, and what you are being told. You are looking great with every photo we see. Love you much. Lots of hugs and kissess from all of us - especially, Amari, Veronie, Mattaes, Chase, Uncle Lodra, Aunty Jauwe, Uncle Tata, Uncle Carlos, Aunty Baby, Uncle Kim, Jimma Takao, JimmaJimma007, Dalin & Aunty Lorina
ReplyDelete