Leukemia (cont.)

Outlook

The leukemias vary in their response to treatment.

• Some types of acute leukemia respond very well to treatment and can be cured. Others do not have such a positive outlook.



• Chronic leukemias usually cannot be cured, but they can be controlled for long periods. Some people with chronic leukemias respond well at first, but, over time, their remissions last for shorter and shorter intervals.

Specific factors are associated with outcomes in each type of leukemia. General factors associated with outcomes include the following:

• Age



• Percentages of leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow



• Degree to which specific systems of the body are affected by leukemia



• Chromosome abnormalities in leukemia cells

Like other cancers, leukemia outlook is measured in terms of survival rates. The number of people who are still alive 5 years after treatment varies by type of leukemia. After 5 years, greater than 80% of patients without detectable disease will likely maintain a lifelong remission. Patients in remission longer than 15 years are considered unequivocal cures.

One problem that requires concerted efforts by advocate groups is the need to address the reluctance on the part of the health care industry to offer health insurance for former pediatric leukemia patients whose disease-free survivals are considered "cures" by all available evidence.