Leukemia

At Ochsner, we treat all forms of leukemia and myeloid disorders (bone marrow disorders), including:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia

• Acute myeloid leukemia

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

• Chronic myeloid leukemia

• Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

• Myelodysplastic syndrome: blood cells aren’t produced correctly

• Myeloproliferative neoplasms: blood cancer where abnormal stem cell changes cause an overproduction of platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and blood-forming tissues. When leukemia is present, abnormal blood cells grow rapidly, leading to symptoms like weakness, easily bruising skin, weight loss and frequent infections. Risk factors for developing the disease include family history and prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Each patient’s leukemia experience and risk factors are unique.

Ochsner has a diverse treatment team to provide the highest quality care. Our physicians and support staff are board-certified hematologists and oncologists who received specialized training in leukemia care, including bone marrow transplants. Many of our team members participate in global research organizations to remain up to date with cancer treatment methods.

Treatment for leukemia can include:

• Chemotherapy: This treatment uses medications to kill cancer cells.

• Immunotherapy: These medications train your body’s immune system to fight cancer.

• Bone marrow/stem cell transplant: This procedure that removes your existing tissues or cells that make blood cells and replaces them with healthy tissues or cells, either from a donor or from your own harvested stem cells. Ochsner is home to one of only a few accredited stem cell transplant centers in Louisiana, offering what is often the only curative treatment for many types of leukemia. We’re also the only cancer center statewide with an adolescent and young adult leukemia program.

• CAR T-cell therapy: This is a targeted therapy that involves modifying a patient's own immune cells (T-cells) to target a specific cancer cell. Once reintroduced to your body, the T-cells attach to and destroy cancerous cells.

At Ochsner, we understand how complex the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia can be. Along with our comprehensive cancer care, our support services are designed to ease the burden of cancer treatment so each patient and their family can remain focused on their healing journey. Meet the support services team at the Ochsner Cancer Institute:

• Financial counselors: Dedicated financial counselors assist with the billing process, insurance coverage and more.

• Integrative medicine specialists: Additional services are offered that go beyond cancer care including sleep services, acupuncture and physical therapy.

• Oncology psychologists: Our trained psychologists are familiar with the mental and emotional aspects of cancer treatment.

• Social workers: Oncology-certified social workers provide psychosocial support around cancer treatment, including scheduling assistance, access to community resources and caregiver support.

U.S. News & World Report named Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans as a “High Performing” hospital for Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma care.

"The passion and the positivity are rampant and unstoppable, and that’s what sets Ochsner apart from a lot of other hospitals.” -- Jon G., leukemia patient