This is to prevent the leukaemia from returning (relapse), and is given on an outpatient basis, so you should be able to continue with your normal, everyday activities.
what happens?
You usually need to take a chemotherapy tablet each day (mercaptopurine), and another one (methotrexate) every week. These are accompanied by an injection of vincristine chemo intravenously, either monthly or every 3 months. This injection involves taking a 5-day course of steroid tablets, too. Every 3 months, you will also have an intrathecal injection (into the spinal fluid) of methotrexate chemo.
It has been shown that people need at least 2 years of continuing therapy. It's known that boys need a longer period of continuing therapy. This is because they appear to be slower to get rid of any residual leukaemia cells. Currently boys receive 3 years and girls 2 years, but each protocol (treatment plan) specifies exactly how long therapy should be.
During this time you'll have regular check ups - usually every week or two - in case drug doses need to be adjusted and to make sure you're OK. Very often things like blood tests can be done at your GP's surgery or at home by a district nurse.
which drugs are used?
the chemo drugs used in maintenance therapy are:
mercaptopurine, methotrexate tablets, steroids, vincristine, methotrexate (intrathecal).
