Diagnosis and Treatment of Hairy Cell Leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood, where white blood cells called lymphocytes become abnormal. Under the microscope the lymphocyte cells look hairy, thus the name.

Stanford Expertise

Patients with hairy cell leukemia are evaluated and treated in Stanford's Hematology clinics by a team of world-renowned faculty. We offer state-of-the-art chemotherapy protocols for leukemia and Stanford hematologists have helped develop the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for the management of hematologic malignancies. Our goal is to improve the survival and quality of life of patients.

Treatment Decisions

Hairy cell leukemia can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or biological therapy. Yet in some cases the disease is so mild and slow growing that patients do not require any treatment.

Cancer Center physicians have access to the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies available. By putting your care in the hands of the leukemia experts at the Cancer Center, you can be confident in your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

Bone marrow transplant (BMT) has evolved over the past 30 years into an effective therapy for leukemia. Clinical trials of BMT for hairy cell leukemia patients may be available through your physician at the Cancer Center.

The BMT Program at has been very successful with a history of limited morbidity rates and acute mortality that is well below most published reports.