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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + dialysis

People on dialysis can also receive leukaemia treatment; the two teams coordinate schedules and medicines.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A dialysis machine
Figure 1.A dialysis machine — Leukemia + dialysis

01Short answer

Dialysis takes over the work of the kidneys. Some medicines are removed from the blood during dialysis, so their timing may be planned around sessions. A fistula or catheter can be an entry point for infection, so it needs extra protection when white cells are low.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your dialysis doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Removal by dialysis: some medicines are given after a session.

Vascular access: the fistula and catheter are carefully protected from infection.

04What happens in the body?

Dialysis and leukaemia

People with dialysis can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and dialysis can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

A fistula in the arm
Figure 2.A fistula in the arm.

Two teams together

When your haematologist and dialysis doctor share information, treatment is safer.

Two schedules aligned
Figure 3.Two schedules aligned.

05Treatment with dialysis

Four steps.

Tell — Both doctors.1TellBoth doctors.
List — Medicines.2ListMedicines.
Checks — As planned.3ChecksAs planned.
Symptoms — Report early.4SymptomsReport early.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Redness at the catheterInfectionContact your team now
Temperature 38 °C or aboveInfectionContact your team now
No buzz in the fistulaAccess problemCall your dialysis unit

07Key terms

Dialysis
Cleaning the blood with a machine.
Fistula
A joined vessel in the arm for dialysis.
Haematologist
Doctor for blood diseases.
Medicine list
All medicines and supplements.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Keep your medicine list updated.
  • Do not stop your own medicines yourself.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • For food, see the general rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).
  • Keep your check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I skip a dialysis session?

No; change the schedule only together with your teams.

Is leukaemia treatment possible?

Often yes; the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep my own medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I skip a dialysis session?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Dialysis
  2. NIDDK (NIH). Kidney Disease
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. European Society of Cardiology (ESC). 2022 ESC Guidelines on cardio-oncology
  5. Cancer Research UK. Blood test
  6. MedlinePlus. Bone Marrow Transplantation
  7. National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). Finding a donor
  8. NHS. How a stem cell or bone marrow transplant is done
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Stem Cell Transplants in Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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