TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Certain factors affect treatment options and prognosis (chance of recovery).
Source: Hairy Cell Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: April 23, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
The treatment options depend on:
The number of hairy (leukemia) cells and healthy blood cells in the blood and bone marrow.
Whether the spleen is swollen.
Whether there are signs or symptoms of leukemia, such as infection.
Whether the leukemia has recurred (come back) after previous treatment.
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The prognosis depends on:
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Whether the hairy cell leukemia does not grow or grows so slowly it does not need treatment.
Whether the hairy cell leukemia responds to treatment.
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Treatment often results in a long-lasting remission (a period during which some or all of the signs and symptoms of the leukemia are gone). If the leukemia returns after it has been in remission, re-treatment often causes another remission.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice