Introduction

Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML) is a rare and serious form of blood cancer that affects children, usually under the age of 4. It is characterized by the overproduction of immature white blood cells (myelocytes and monocytes) which leads to anemia, infection, and other serious health problems. The treatment for JMML is challenging and often involves a combination of therapies. The main goal of treatment is to achieve remission, where signs and symptoms of the disease are reduced or disappear.

1. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is often the first line of treatment for JMML. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. The specific drugs used in chemotherapy for JMML include Cytarabine and Etoposide. These drugs work by interfering with the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. However, chemotherapy can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue.

2. Stem Cell Transplant

A stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant, is the only known cure for JMML. This procedure involves replacing the diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor. The new cells can then grow and produce healthy blood cells. Before the transplant, the patient will undergo a conditioning regimen, which may include high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, to destroy the remaining cancer cells and make room for the new stem cells.

3. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a newer type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to more precisely identify and attack cancer cells. In the case of JMML, targeted therapies such as RAS pathway inhibitors are being studied in clinical trials. These drugs target specific genes or proteins that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.

4. Supportive Care

Supportive care is an important part of the treatment plan for JMML. It aims to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients. This can include blood transfusions to treat anemia, antibiotics to prevent or treat infections, and medications to manage side effects of other treatments.

Want to Learn More About Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia?

Keep reading HealthTree for Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia's 101 pages!

• What Is Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia?
• How Is Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia Diagnosed?
• How Long Will I Live With Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia?
• What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia?
• How Is Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia Staged And Classified?