Leukemias: Specialty care for leukemias

The most common forms of leukemia are:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

• Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)

Leukemia forms in the bone marrow, where your body makes blood cells. When white blood cells develop into a cancer they continue to grow, but no longer function properly. They also crowd out normal blood cells, often leading to fatigue, bone pain, increased bruising and increased risk of infection.

At the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center, we have experts who can provide whatever treatment is needed to cure the leukemia, whether that be chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant or use of immunotherapy with CAR T-cells or other agents. We also have clinical trials available for patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed leukemia, which provide cutting-edge treatments for these diseases.

We know cancer can affect all parts of your life. So, we’ve put together a team of specialists to help you during each stage of your cancer journey.

Your team includes specialized doctors who focus on your physical well-being. But we also have experts who focus on other areas, such as your mental health, financial needs and family concerns. They make sure the care you receive will be just right for you and your disease.

Team members might include:

• Advanced practice providers

• Health psychologists

• Hematologic nurses

• Hematologic oncologists

• Medical oncologists

• Nutritionists

• Occupational therapists

• Oncology pharmacists

• Pain management specialists

• Pathologists

• Physical therapists

• Psychologists

• Radiation oncologists

• Social workers

• Surgeons

We work together to create the best treatment plan for you.

Early symptoms of leukemias are like the flu or other common illnesses.

Leukemia symptoms can include:

• Bruising

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Feeling weak

• Fever

• Frequent infections

• Loss of appetite

• Night sweats

• Pale skin

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Unexplained weight loss

• Unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums)

Detecting leukemias

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms. At UW Health, we use different diagnostic tests to check for signs of leukemia. These tests include blood tests, bone marrow tests, gene tests, imaging tests, lumbar puncture and studying lymph nodes under a microscope (biopsies).

Our goal is to destroy the leukemia cancer cells in your bone marrow. This allows your body to produce normal, healthy platelets and red and white blood cells. We also provide treatments to slow the disease.

Your treatments might include:

The UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center provides care throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Not all cancers are treated at every location; however, we will make every effort to connect you with care at a location convenient to you.

At UW Health, we provide you with the information and support you need during your cancer journey.

Blood cancer support group

• Where: Gilda’s Club, 7907 UW Health Court, Middleton, WI 53562 (currently virtual).

• When: 2nd Monday of the month, 5:30-7 p.m.

• More information: Email program@gildasclubmadison.org or call (608) 828-8880.

• View upcoming sessions or register