Early in the course of the disease, no treatment may be necessary. Some patients may need an occasional blood transfusion.
If treatment is needed because of very low blood counts, a variety of chemotherapy drugs (cladribine, pentostatin) can be used. Interferon is also used. In the majority of cases these drugs can produce a remission (complete relief from the disease) that lasts for many years. It is unclear if chemotherapy will cure the disease, however, because most patients will relapse over time.
The removal of the spleen may improve blood counts, but is unlikely to cure the disease.
Symptomatic treatment of infections with antibiotics or low blood counts with growth factors and transfusions may be required.
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