Leukaemia can also affect the central nervous system, which is located around the brain and spine. Leukaemia cells can sometimes be found in something called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which circulates in our central nervous system.
When chemotherapy is given by injection into a vein or by tablets, it can't reach the CSF, so the leukaemia cells survive. To prevent this, CNS therapy is given. CNS therapy involves injecting the chemo drug methotrexate into the CSF by lumbar puncture.
what happens?
It is given through a needle which is inserted into the fluid around the spine. This method of giving drugs is known as intrathecal therapy. Intrathecal simply means giving an injection into the body's spinal fluid.
This therapy starts during remission induction and can continue throughout the whole of your treatment, right until the end of continuing therapy.
is there anything else I should know?
For a small number of people, radiotherapy (x-ray treatment) to the brain may be required. This is usually for people who have a high white count and leukaemia cells in their spinal fluid at diagnosis and who are thought to be at a high risk of the leukaemia coming back with ordinary treatment.
are there any side effects?
Radiotherapy does cause side effects, the main ones being tiredness and hair loss in the place where the radiotherapy is directed. Find out more in the radiotherapy section.
