Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. While it is possible for a 70 year old to survive leukemia, the chances of survival depend largely on the type and stage of the leukemia, the overall health of the patient, and the treatment options available.
For some types of leukemia, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the prognosis is often worse for older adults than it is for younger patients. Generally, the 5-year survival rate for adults over age 65 with AML is about 15-20%. This is significantly lower than the 5-year survival rate for those under age 65, which is approximately 40%.
However, there are other types of leukemia, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which tend to be more common in older adults and have a better prognosis. The 5-year survival rate for adults over age 65 with CLL is approximately 70-75%.
In addition to the type of leukemia, the overall health of the 70 year old patient is also an important factor in determining the likelihood of survival. Older adults with other medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, may be more vulnerable to the side effects of chemotherapy and may not be able to tolerate aggressive treatments.
Finally, the treatment options available for an individual patient are also important. A 70 year old may be able to benefit from treatments such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy, which can be more effective and less toxic than traditional chemotherapy. However, these treatments may not be available in all cases.
In summary, while it is possible for a 70 year old to survive leukemia, the chances of survival depend on a variety of factors, including the type and stage of the leukemia, the overall health of the patient, and the available treatment options.