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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is weakening of the bones; during leukaemia treatment, especially long steroid courses, bones need protecting.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Bone structure
Figure 1.Bone structure — Leukemia + osteoporosis

01Short answer

Steroids, inactivity and some hormone changes can speed up bone loss. Some osteoporosis medicines need care around dental treatment, so tell your dentist. Preventing falls at home is the simplest way to protect your bones.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your bone doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Steroid osteoporosis: long steroid courses can lower bone density.

Bone density scan (DEXA) helps assess risk.

04What happens in the body?

Osteoporosis and leukaemia

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

What may change

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

A safe path at home
Figure 2.A safe path at home.

Two teams together

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

A bone density scan
Figure 3.A bone density scan.

05Treatment with osteoporosis

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
New back painFractureTell your team
A fallFracture riskSee a doctor
Dental work plannedMedicine cautionTell your dentist

07Key terms

Osteoporosis
Weakening of the bones.
DEXA
A bone density scan.
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

Should I take calcium and vitamin D?

Your doctor decides this individually.

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. Should I take calcium and vitamin D?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Osteoporosis
  2. MedlinePlus. Steroids
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Depression (PDQ) – Patient Version
  5. WHO / IARC. WHO Classification of Tumours, 5th edition — Haematolymphoid Tumours
  6. American Cancer Society. Leukemia in Children
  7. NHS. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia — Treatment
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Clinical Trials Information for Patients and Caregivers
  9. American Cancer Society. Making Treatment Decisions
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: port
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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