Leukemia

The leukemia program at Ochsner is pleased to offer some of the most advanced leukemia treatments in Louisiana. We combine the standard of care with state-of-the-art methods for complete, comprehensive leukemia treatment. Our innovations include:

• Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer and Survivorship program. Ours is the only leukemia program statewide with a dedicated program for young adult patients ages 15-39.

• Care coordination. Our providers regularly collaborate with community oncologists and outside clinics to provide treatment recommendations and second opinions to patients throughout the Gulf Coast region. Care coordination is also offered through virtual appointments for greater convenience.

• Clinical trials. We offer Phase 1-3 clinical trials for cancer.

• Stem cell transplant/bone marrow transplant program. One of the few stem cell transplant programs in the state, ours is accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy.

Leukemia diagnosis and treatment are available at several locations throughout the Gulf Coast. Find a location near you.

The leukemia program at Ochsner is dedicated to the care of all forms of leukemia and myeloid disorders (bone marrow disorders), including:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia

• Acute myeloid leukemia

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

• Chronic myeloid leukemia

• Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

• Myelodysplastic syndrome — blood cells aren’t produced correctly

• Myeloproliferative neoplasms — blood cancer where abnormal stem cell changes cause an overproduction of platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and blood-forming tissues. When leukemia is present, abnormal blood cells grow rapidly, leading to symptoms like weakness, easily bruising skin, weight loss and frequent infections. Risk factors for developing the disease include family history and prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Each patient’s leukemia experience and risk factors are unique.

For more information about leukemia, we recommend the Ochsner Cancer Institute’s “All In Against Cancer” podcast. In episode 7, our providers discuss leukemia and its causes, symptoms and treatments in detail. Listen online or wherever you get your podcasts.

The leukemia program at Ochsner relies on a diverse treatment team to provide the highest quality care. Our physicians and support staff are board-certified hematologists and oncologists who received specialized training in leukemia care, including bone marrow transplants. Many of our team members participate in global research organizations to remain up to date with cancer treatment methods.

Treatment for leukemia often includes a combination of:

• Chemotherapy — a treatment that uses medications to kill cancer cells

• Immunotherapy — medications that train your body’s immune system to fight the cancer

Bone marrow/stem cell transplant — a procedure that removes your existing tissues or cells that make blood cells and replaces them with healthy tissues or cells, either from a donor or from your own harvested stem cells

At Ochsner, we understand how complex the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia can be. Along with our comprehensive cancer care, our support services are designed to ease the burden of cancer treatment so each patient and their family can remain focused on their healing journey. Meet the support services team at the Ochsner Cancer Institute:

• Financial counselors. Dedicated financial counselors assist with the billing process, insurance coverage and more.

• Integrative medicine specialists. Additional services are offered that go beyond cancer care including sleep services, acupuncture and physical therapy.

• Oncology psychologists. Our trained psychologists are familiar with the mental and emotional aspects of cancer treatment.

• Social workers. Oncology-certified social workers provide psychosocial support around cancer treatment, including scheduling assistance, access to community resources and caregiver support.

After a leukemia diagnosis, timing is key. Our providers make it easy to schedule appointments and coordinate care to prevent treatment delays.

• Ochsner Clinic Concierge. Call 504-842-7436 to speak with an oncology nurse navigator who can schedule appointments and answer necessary questions.

• Call the clinic. Call 504-842-3910 to reach our program locations. Patients are encouraged to call the clinic prior to scheduling online for greater ease and convenience.

• Schedule online. Visit MyOchsner.org to schedule clinic appointments online.

Virtual visits. MyOchsner virtual visits are available for patient follow-ups, care coordination and more.