What is Blood cancer?
Blood cancer, encompassing leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, disrupts the normal function of blood cells.
The onset of blood cancer is attributed to DNA mutations within blood cells, prompting abnormal behaviour. These mutations typically occur during a person's lifetime and are not hereditary, stemming from factors beyond our control.
Treatment for Blood cancer
- The specific type of blood cancer.
- Its subtype and stage.
- Your overall health condition.
- Present symptoms.
- Results from genetic testing and cell type analysis.
- Blood cell count assessments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy entails the use of cell-killing medications to eradicate cancer cells.
Commonly administered through a vein, chemotherapy drugs circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream, targeting and eliminating cancerous cells. This method, known as intravenous (IV) chemotherapy or infusion, is often employed by physicians to combat blood cancer cells. While chemotherapy effectively treats cancer and halts its spread, it also affects healthy cells, leading to potential side effects.
Bone marrow transplant
A bone marrow transplant involves substituting the stem cells in your body with fresh, healthy stem cells.
In their early developmental stage, stem cells serve as the building blocks for various blood cells originating in the bone marrow. Blood cancer arises when abnormalities occur during the development of blood cells, leading to cancerous transformations.
A bone marrow transplant serves as a treatment for certain blood cancers by eradicating the abnormal stem cells responsible for producing cancerous blood cells. Subsequently, healthy stem cells are introduced to the body, capable of generating healthy blood cells anew. This procedure entails administering high doses of chemotherapy to eliminate existing stem cells, followed by the transplant to replenish the bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
Moreover, a bone marrow transplant is utilized to replace damaged stem cells resulting from high-dose chemotherapy required for blood cancer treatment.
There are two primary types of stem cell transplants:
1. Autograft/autologous: In this method, your stem cells are harvested, stored, and reintroduced into your body via transplant.
2. Allograft/allogeneic: This approach involves utilizing stem cells from a donor for the transplant.
The stem cells are delivered into your vein during the transplant procedure, akin to chemotherapy administration or a blood transfusion.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment approach that leverages your immune system to combat the disease. Any treatment method that empowers the immune system to enhance its effectiveness against cancer falls under immunotherapy.
Certain immunotherapy medications prompt your body's immune system to detect and eliminate blood cancer cells. These drugs bind themselves to cancer cells, facilitating their recognition by your immune system. Subsequently, your immune system launches an attack against the cancer cells.
An advanced form of immunotherapy is CAR-T therapy, which involves genetically modifying your T cells (a type of white blood cell responsible for combating infections in the body) to augment their capacity to locate and eradicate cancer cells.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapies represent a category of cancer treatments designed to specifically target the genetic alterations present in cancer cells, which are absent in normal cells. These therapies encompass various types, some of which may also be called biological therapies.
They can be administered in conjunction with chemotherapy or as standalone treatments. Delivery methods vary, with some administered intravenously through a drip, others via injections, and some in tablet form.
Surgery
Surgery is not commonly employed in the treatment of blood cancers, although a select few individuals with lymphoma may require splenectomy, the surgical removal of the spleen.
Radiation therapy
Radiotherapy employs high-energy rays, like X-rays, to eliminate cancer cells and is applicable in Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment. These rays are directed at the specific area of the body where cancer cells reside, such as particular groups of lymph nodes.
You'll recline on a flat surface beneath the radiotherapy machine during the procedure. Though you won't sense anything during treatment, the high-energy rays will be focused on the targeted area of your body, effectively damaging the cancer cells.
Typically, you'll need to visit the hospital daily for treatment sessions and then return home afterwards. Completing a course of radiotherapy may span several weeks.
Speak to our experts about blood cancer.
"Are you or a loved one dealing with blood cancer? Don't face it alone. At Apex Hospitals, our team of experienced specialists is here to help. From diagnosis to personalized treatment plans, we provide comprehensive care and support every step of the way. Schedule a consultation today and let our experts guide you towards the best possible outcome."
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