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Treatment and the treatment process

Main groups of medicines

Several groups of medicines are used to treat leukaemia; each works in a different way.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A toolbox — Main groups of medicines
Figure 1.A toolbox — Main groups of medicines

01Short answer

The main groups are chemotherapy, targeted medicines (for example tyrosine kinase inhibitors), monoclonal antibodies and immunotherapy, steroids, and supportive medicines (infection prevention, anti-sickness). One plan may combine several groups.

02Simple explanation

Topic. the main medicine groups in leukaemia.

Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.

Write down. Your questions.

Overview. The article “Chemotherapy”.

03Scientific explanation

Targeted medicines act on a specific change in the leukaemia cell.

Supportive medicines make treatment safer but do not treat the leukaemia itself.

04What happens in the body?

The main medicine groups in leukaemia

The main groups are chemotherapy, targeted medicines (for example tyrosine kinase inhibitors), monoclonal antibodies and immunotherapy, steroids, and supportive medicines (infection prevention, anti-sickness). One plan may combine several groups.

In more detail

Targeted medicines act on a specific change in the leukaemia cell. Supportive medicines make treatment safer but do not treat the leukaemia itself.

Group icons — Main groups of medicines
Figure 2.Group icons — Main groups of medicines

The overview

This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Chemotherapy”.

A pharmacy shelf — Main groups of medicines
Figure 3.A pharmacy shelf — Main groups of medicines

05The main medicine groups in leukaemia: the steps

Four steps.

List — Your medicines.1ListYour medicines.
Group — Each one’s role.2GroupEach one’s role.
Questions — To your team.3QuestionsTo your team.
Update — When it changes.4UpdateWhen it changes.

06Groups

GroupHow it worksSee
ChemotherapyDisrupts division“What is chemotherapy”
TargetedHits a specific change“Targeted drugs”
ImmunotherapyDirects the immune system“Immunotherapy”

07Key terms

Supportive care
Treatment that reduces side effects and risks.
Combination
Several medicines used together.

08Key points

  • Everyone’s plan is individual.
  • Write down and bring your questions.
  • Report new symptoms early.
  • Do not change medicines yourself.
  • For food, see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”.
  • Overview: “Chemotherapy”.

09Frequently asked questions

How do I know my group?

Ask and note it on your medicine list.

Is this the same for everyone?

No; the plan depends on the type of leukaemia and your situation.

Where is the overview?

In the article “Chemotherapy”.

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. How do I know my group?

  2. Is this the same for everyone?

  3. Where is the overview?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Targeted Therapy to Treat Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer
  4. MedlinePlus. Anxiety
  5. MedlinePlus. Eye Diseases
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of central venous catheter – NCI Dictionary
  7. MedlinePlus. Central venous catheters - ports
  8. CDC. Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections
  9. MedlinePlus. Peripherally inserted central catheter - flushing
  10. MedlinePlus. Central venous catheter - dressing change
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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