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Research and new methods

Combinations: several paths together

When one pathway is blocked, leukaemia cells can survive through another. So treatment often combines several medicines: chemotherapy plus a targeted medicine, two targeted medicines, or immunotherapy plus chemotherapy.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Assorted coloured tablets and capsules on a white surface
Figure 1.A combination: several medicines together

01Short answer

Combinations aim to increase effectiveness, prevent resistance and sometimes reduce intensive chemotherapy. But side effects can add up too, so each new combination is first tested in trials: in what amounts, in what order and for whom. Examples include a BCL-2 inhibitor with a hypomethylating medicine in AML and fixed-duration targeted combinations in CLL. Only your doctor puts a combination together; do not take extra medicines or herbal products on your own.

02Simple explanation

Several pathways.

Against resistance.

Toxicity adds up.

Only your doctor combines.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: targeted therapies are often used together with chemotherapy or other medicines.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Synergy

A combined effect stronger than each alone.

Woven threads
Figure 2.Woven threads — Combinations: several paths together

Fixed-duration treatment

Treatment that stops after a set time.

Scales
Figure 3.Scales — Combinations: several paths together

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
SynergyA combined effect stronger than each alone.
Fixed-duration treatmentTreatment that stops after a set time.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Combination
Using several medicines together.
Interaction
One medicine affecting another.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Plan.
  • Sequence.
  • Show your list.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I take extra vitamins?

Only after agreeing with your doctor, as interactions are possible.

Why so many medicines?

Each acts on a different weak spot of the disease.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

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 take extra vitamins?

  2. Why so many medicines?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Targeted Therapy to Treat Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute. Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  3. National Cancer Institute. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  4. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  6. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: phase I clinical trial
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: phase II clinical trial
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: phase III clinical trial
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: phase IV clinical trial
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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