What is Blood Cancer?
Blood cancer affects the blood cells. This type of cancer affects how the body produces blood cells and how well the cells function. A majority of blood cancers start in the bone marrow, the sponge-like, soft material in the centre of the bones. Stem cells in the bone marrow mature and develop into three types of cells; red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In a majority of blood cancers, the normal process of cell development is interrupted by an abnormal or uncontrolled growth of blood cells, interfering with optimal functioning and production of new blood cells.
Blood Cancer Treatment Therapies available at S S Hospital
Blood cancer treatment therapies can be as follows:
Chemotherapy
This treatment uses anticancer drugs designed to destroy cancer cells. Some blood cancers may also be treated with a combination of stem cell transplantation, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy (In Collaboration with)
In this type of treatment therapy, high energy X-rays or other radiations are used to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy for blood cancer treatment can be part of a larger treatment plan used along with immunotherapy and chemotherapy to ease symptoms of blood cancer. The most commonly used radiation therapy for blood cancers is EBRT (external beam radiation therapy). Radio-immunotherapy may also be used to treat some blood cancers.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy aims to interfere with the growth of cancer cells. Different types of blood cancers have different targets and patients may undergo tests to determine genes, proteins and other factors in the cancer cells. Based on these tests, the most appropriate treatment is chosen. Targeted therapy can be a standalone treatment or may be combined with chemotherapy. Targeted therapies may include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), T-cell therapy and monoclonal antibodies.
Immunotherapy
During immunotherapy, patients are given medicines to boost the immune system and successfully recognize and destroy cancer cells. Different types of immunotherapy include T cell therapy, donor lymphocyte infusion, cytokine treatment, radio-immunotherapy and monoclonal antibody treatment.
Supportive therapies
Supportive therapies such as antibiotics, growth factors, blood transfusions may be used to manage symptoms and side effects of blood cancer treatment and support the overall well-being of the patient. The goal of this type of blood cancer treatment is to manage symptoms, achieve remission and improve quality of life.
Surgical Treatment for Blood Cancer
Splenectomy
The spleen plays an essential role in the immune system, filtering blood and fighting infections. Splenectomy is a surgical procedure employed to remove spleen and treat certain blood cancers and other blood disorders. It can be performed via robotic-assisted or open laparoscopic techniques.