Frequently Asked Questions
15. What is biological therapy?
Biological therapy is a treatment that uses a person's own immune system to fight leukemia. This therapy uses special substances to stimulate the immune system's ability to fight cancer. Some patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia receive monoclonal antibodies, which are man-made proteins that can identify leukemia cells and help the body kill them. Interferon is used to treat some people with chronic myeloid leukemia. It is a natural substance that can slow the growth of leukemia cells. The newest therapies target an enzyme responsible for the growth of the myeloid cells, and are very effective in many patients.