Jackson also had a condition called leukemia cutis, in which white blood cells infiltrate the skin. This was another red flag indicating a need for more intensive therapy.
"As a result of all of these factors," Dr. Steinherz says, "we elected to give him our treatment for patients at higher risk of relapse, hoping to optimize his chances of doing well."
Each year, Memorial Sloan-Kettering treats approximately 80 new pediatric leukemia patients. Like Jackson, all of these patients are treated by a small team of doctors and nurse practitioners, each with many years of experience. These individuals see the patient every visit, providing a continuity of personalized care rarely available elsewhere. This consistency helps to reassure the child that, while the condition is serious, patients much sicker than he or she have been cured.
"The child and family have to become part of the 'team,'" Dr. Steinherz explains. "They need to acquire a basic understanding of the disease process, its treatment, and the possibility of complications. The child and family need to be prepared for the hardships, the inconveniences, and the disruptions of their normal lifestyle that successful leukemia therapy requires."
Fortunately, Jackson's disease had a rapid and complete early response with manageable side effects. "I feel very fortunate that we were able to provide him with a treatment that we developed at this institution, a treatment which we hope will provide him with the best chance to be cured," says Dr. Steinherz.
