Leukemia

Leukemia Diagnosis at Texas Oncology

Since leukemia is a cancer of the blood, the most common sites of detection are the blood and bone marrow. At Texas Oncology, we are equipped to diagnose leukemia and may use the following tests:

Bone marrow aspirate  

Since bone marrow produces blood cells, this test looks at the bone marrow closely by taking a sample of liquid and removing a small piece of bone with marrow inside. 

Immunohistocompatibility  

Different types of leukemias have unique proteins called antigens, which are found on the surface or inside of the cell. This type of test takes a sample of blood or tissue to detect those specific antigens.  

Cytogenetic analysis

Cytogenetic testing examines your cells to detect changes in your chromosomes, which are structures made of DNA. Sometimes, these changes can cause cancer. By looking at them, doctors can identify the type of cancer and figure out the best way to treat it.   

Treatments for Leukemia  

Leukemia treatment is not one size fits all. That is why we personalize your treatment plan based on factors such as type of leukemia, age, medical history, general health, and treatment goals. Treatment options for leukemia may include:

Chemotherapy  

Chemotherapy are medications administered through an IV and delivered to the entire body to shrink and kill cancer cells.

Targeted therapy 

Targeted therapy drugs target specific proteins within cancer cells to prevent them from growing. These drugs can be used to treat certain types of advanced leukemia.

Radiation therapy  

Using high-energy rays, this treatment damages or kills cancer cells to prevent them from growing or dividing. 

Surgery

Rarely used, but may involve spleen removal if it is severely enlarged or causing symptoms. 

Stem cell transplant  

This treatment involves replacing diseased blood-forming cells with healthy donor cells.  

Immunotherapy 

This treatment uses vaccines to stimulate the patient’s own immune system to recognize and attack leukemia cells more effectively.  

Monoclonal antibodies 

Lab-made proteins that target specific antigens — markers on the surface of cells that help the immune system recognize whether something belongs in your body — on leukemia cells, often used in combination with chemotherapy.  

Palliative medicine  

Focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients.  

Watchful waiting (for those with chronic leukemia)

A cancer management approach that involves monitoring the disease without immediate treatment to avoid potential side effects. It is often used for slow-growing, low-risk cancers like chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Latest treatment options
We offer the same treatments available at large academic centers, but in a community setting. For example, our CAR-T therapy works to target and destroy cancer cells while our active clinical trials program gives eligible patients access to new treatments before they become widely available.  

Customized care planning
Your diagnosis is only part of the picture. We listen to your concerns, honor your choices, and build a care experience that reflects your goals.

Expert Leukemia Care, Close to Home

Leukemia is a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow and affects the blood, causing the body to produce abnormal white blood cells. These cells can crowd out healthy ones and interfere with how the body fights infection. At Texas Oncology, our patients benefit from expert care that combines leading-edge treatments, specialized expertise, and personalized attention. Our team of specialists is experienced in treating all types of leukemia with compassion, care, and the support you need.

Leukemia Diagnosis at Texas Oncology

Since leukemia is a cancer of the blood, the most common sites of detection are the blood and bone marrow. At Texas Oncology, we are equipped to diagnose leukemia and may use the following tests:

Bone marrow aspirate  

Since bone marrow produces blood cells, this test looks at the bone marrow closely by taking a sample of liquid and removing a small piece of bone with marrow inside. 

Immunohistocompatibility  

Different types of leukemias have unique proteins called antigens, which are found on the surface or inside of the cell. This type of test takes a sample of blood or tissue to detect those specific antigens.  

Cytogenetic analysis

Cytogenetic testing examines your cells to detect changes in your chromosomes, which are structures made of DNA. Sometimes, these changes can cause cancer. By looking at them, doctors can identify the type of cancer and figure out the best way to treat it.   

Treatments for Leukemia  

Leukemia treatment is not one size fits all. That is why we personalize your treatment plan based on factors such as type of leukemia, age, medical history, general health, and treatment goals. Treatment options for leukemia may include:

Chemotherapy  

Chemotherapy are medications administered through an IV and delivered to the entire body to shrink and kill cancer cells.

Targeted therapy 

Targeted therapy drugs target specific proteins within cancer cells to prevent them from growing. These drugs can be used to treat certain types of advanced leukemia.

Radiation therapy  

Using high-energy rays, this treatment damages or kills cancer cells to prevent them from growing or dividing. 

Surgery

Rarely used, but may involve spleen removal if it is severely enlarged or causing symptoms. 

Stem cell transplant  

This treatment involves replacing diseased blood-forming cells with healthy donor cells.  

Immunotherapy 

This treatment uses vaccines to stimulate the patient’s own immune system to recognize and attack leukemia cells more effectively.  

Monoclonal antibodies 

Lab-made proteins that target specific antigens — markers on the surface of cells that help the immune system recognize whether something belongs in your body — on leukemia cells, often used in combination with chemotherapy.  

Palliative medicine  

Focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients.  

Watchful waiting (for those with chronic leukemia)

A cancer management approach that involves monitoring the disease without immediate treatment to avoid potential side effects. It is often used for slow-growing, low-risk cancers like chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Trusted expertise
Our specialists trained at leading institutions across the country. They bring their extensive knowledge and experience to each patient.

Latest treatment options
We offer the same treatments available at large academic centers, but in a community setting. For example, our CAR-T therapy works to target and destroy cancer cells while our active clinical trials program gives eligible patients access to new treatments before they become widely available.  

Customized care planning
Your diagnosis is only part of the picture. We listen to your concerns, honor your choices, and build a care experience that reflects your goals.