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Why would Lgl leukemia become active and how is it treated

A MyLeukemiaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Montgomery, AL

I have been diagnosed with lgl leukemia in 2023 but was told it is a cancer that doesn't do anything and I will go the rest of my life with no problems. Since then my event number went from 1 % to 12.3%. In less then 3 months in 2025 my number rose to 17.6%. I have been severely anemic for over a year and can't seem to shake respiratory infection. I had apl leukemia where idarubicine was used and this has ruined my bone marrow. Could my prior cancer be what is making such a non-threatening… read more

January 8
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MyLeukemiaTeam

Why would LGL leukemia become active, and could prior leukemia treatment be a factor?

LGL leukemia can shift from indolent (slow-growing) to more active. While the exact reasons aren't fully understood, genetic mutations play a role in how the disease behaves. Your rising numbers and symptoms like severe anemia and Show Full Answer

Why would LGL leukemia become active, and could prior leukemia treatment be a factor?

LGL leukemia can shift from indolent (slow-growing) to more active. While the exact reasons aren't fully understood, genetic mutations play a role in how the disease behaves. Your rising numbers and symptoms like severe anemia and recurrent respiratory infections suggest your LGL may need treatment now.

Regarding your prior APL leukemia treatment: Previous chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, which may affect how your body produces blood cells. This could potentially contribute to worsening anemia and make it harder for your body to manage the LGL leukemia. It's worth discussing with your healthcare team whether your previous treatment has impacted your current situation.

How is active LGL leukemia treated?

When LGL leukemia becomes symptomatic and needs treatment, common options include:

- Methotrexate (Trexall) - blocks immune cells and slows cancer cell growth
- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) - chemotherapy that can help increase red blood cell levels
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf) - blocks cancerous immune cells and can raise certain white blood cell levels

Your doctor will monitor how well treatments work and may switch medications if one isn't effective. Some people may also need splenectomy (spleen removal) or stem cell transplantation in certain cases.

Given your severe anemia and recurrent infections, it's important to discuss treatment options with your healthcare team soon.

January 8

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