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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + liver disease

The liver processes many medicines, so treatment is chosen especially carefully when you have liver disease.

Last updated: ~1 min read
The liver
Figure 1.The liver — Leukemia + liver disease

01Short answer

Fatty liver, cirrhosis and other liver diseases can slow the breakdown of medicines. Some leukaemia medicines, antibiotics and antifungals can affect liver tests. So liver tests are done regularly and the plan is adjusted if needed.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your liver doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Liver tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) help track the effect of medicines.

Clotting: severe liver disease weakens clotting, and with low platelets bleeding risk rises.

04What happens in the body?

Liver disease and leukaemia

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

What may change

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

A liver blood test
Figure 2.A liver blood test — Leukemia + liver disease

Two teams together

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

The liver as a filter
Figure 3.The liver as a filter.

05Treatment with liver disease

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
JaundiceLiver problemContact your team now
Dark urine, pale stoolsLiver problemTell your team
Swelling bellyFluid build-upTell your team

07Key terms

Bilirubin
A substance reflecting liver function.
Cirrhosis
Scarring of the liver.
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

Will herbs help my liver?

Some can harm the liver; ask first.

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. Will herbs help my liver?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Liver Diseases
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drug Interactions: What You Should Know
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Hairy Cell Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  5. Blood (American Society of Hematology), 2022. Diagnosis and management of AML in adults: 2022 recommendations from an international expert panel on behalf of the ELN
  6. NHS. Treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Other Myeloid Malignancies Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  8. Children’s Oncology Group. Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: tumor lysis syndrome
  10. American Cancer Society. Second Opinions for Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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