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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + autoimmune disease

Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis are managed jointly during leukaemia treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Immune cells in balance
Figure 1.Immune cells in balance.

01Short answer

Autoimmune diseases are often treated with medicines that weaken immunity. Combined with leukaemia treatment, infection risk can rise further. Some medicines may be paused or changed; the rheumatologist (or gastroenterologist, dermatologist) decides with the haematologist. Plan vaccines with your team.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your rheumatology doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Double immune suppression: autoimmune medicines and leukaemia treatment add up infection risk.

Hepatitis and TB screening is done before some biological medicines.

04What happens in the body?

Autoimmune disease and leukaemia

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

What may change

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

Two lists merging
Figure 2.Two lists merging — Leukemia + autoimmune disease

Two teams together

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

A joint
Figure 3.A joint — Leukemia + autoimmune disease

05Treatment with autoimmune 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
Temperature 38 °C or aboveInfectionContact your team now
Autoimmune flareMedicine pauseTell both doctors
New rash or joint painFlare or side effectTell your team

07Key terms

Autoimmune disease
The immune system attacking the body’s own tissues.
Immunosuppressant
A medicine that weakens immunity.
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 stop my arthritis medicine?

Not on your own; the doctors decide together.

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 stop my arthritis medicine?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Autoimmune Diseases
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of comorbidity – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. American Cancer Society. Stem Cell Transplant Side Effects
  5. American Cancer Society. The Stem Cell Transplant Process
  6. Blood (American Society of Hematology), 2019. Management of acute promyelocytic leukemia: updated recommendations from an expert panel of the European LeukemiaNet
  7. Leukemia, 2020. European LeukemiaNet 2020 recommendations for treating chronic myeloid leukemia
  8. Blood (American Society of Hematology), 2017. Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with classic hairy cell leukemia
  9. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Uric Acid Test
  10. Cancer Research UK. Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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