Hematologic malignancies, also known as blood cancers, are diseases that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. It occurs when abnormal cells in the blood grow out of control and crowd the normal cells, altering the body’s proper functioning.
Leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma are the three main types of hematologic malignancies. Hematologic malignancies treatment involves the combination of therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Understanding these treatments is essential for patients and their families to make informed decisions. Let’s explore more.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a known cancer treatment for different types of cancer, including hematologic malignancies. It involves the use of drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered orally, through injection, or intravenously. One of the side effects of chemotherapy is that it can destroy healthy cells that divide rapidly, such as those in the digestive tract or hair follicle. The common side effects of chemotherapy are:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Anaemia
- Sore mouth
- Loss of appetite
Research and medical advancements have led to better managing these side effects, improving the treatment experience. For example, chemotherapy can be used in combination with other therapies to cope with the side effects.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment. It harnesses the body’s immune system to effectively identify and destroy cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies are a type of immunotherapy that is used in hematologic malignancies. Monoclonal antibodies are engineered to target specific proteins on the surface of a cancer cell. This marks the cancer cell for destruction by the immune system.
Immunotherapy does not attack healthy cells; hence fewer side effects than chemotherapy. In some patients, immunotherapy can produce a long-lasting response, even in those with advanced cancers. Immunotherapy is ineffective for all types of cancers, and some patients may experience side effects such as fatigue, inflammation, and fever.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy in hematologic malignancies is at the forefront of ongoing research. Targeted therapy has, however, provided benefits to patients with hematologic malignancies. It can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Unlike immunotherapy and chemotherapy, target therapy focuses on specific molecules or pathways essential for cancer growth and survival.
Professionals normally perform molecular testing before starting target therapy. The testing helps to identify specific genetic mutations and abnormalities. When they identify the target, the appropriate drug is then prescribed. The advantage of target therapy is that it has fewer side effects than immunotherapy and chemotherapy, as they aim at selectively attacking cancer cells.
Learn More about Hematologic Malignancies with Cancer and Blood Disorders Treatment and Infusion Center
Are you or your loved one facing hematologic malignancies? Stay informed and make confident decisions about your treatment. At the Cancer and Blood Disorders Treatment and Infusion Center, we keep ourselves abreast with all these new changes and treatments and provide our patients the best possible care for their situation so they do not have to travel long distances to get the same treatment close to home. We also encourage our patients who are under active treatment to contact our office with any problem or physical symptom that may occur.
For information or to book an appointment with our specialists, contact us at 301-638-1007 or fill out our online contact us form. We are always ready to guide you.