The Future of Blood Cancer Treatment
Now that we are in September, Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I thought it would be appropriate to explore future trends in the treatment of blood cancer. I am a follicular lymphoma survivor who benefitted from my oncologist’s wisdom in prescribing a cutting-edge treatment that has allowed me almost six years in remission. Reviewing current literature provides me an opportunity to keep abreast of future possible treatments as I pray that my remission will continue.
There are many types of treatment and research currently ongoing related to different types of blood cancer. I've highlighted some of the latest trends being studied, and even some that are in practice, below.
Precision medicine
Precision medicine, or tailoring treatment to each patient, is the goal that all persons will receive customized treatment that matches the personal history and genetics of the individual and their cancer. DNA sequencing tests can help to guide treatment approaches. The hope is that precision medicine strategies will be more effective with fewer side effects.1
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer. CAR T-cell therapy (chimeric antigen receptor therapy) is another type of immunotherapy that uses the patient’s own T cells. The T cells are collected from the patient and genetically modified to recognize certain proteins on the cancer cells. The cells are then reinfused into the patient where they seek to destroy cancer cells. CAR T-cell therapy has been approved for the treatment of some blood cancers and is being studied in others.1
Epigenetics
Epigenetic therapy explores how genes can switch “on” or “off.” The idea is to teach cancer cells to behave like normal cells again. These treatments target epigenetic enzymes, which regulate a cell’s genetic programming. Rather than destroying the cancer cells, the therapy seeks to turn cancer cells back to normal.1
Researching metastasis
Scientists are studying the process that allows some cancer cells to break off and spread throughout the body.1
Gene editing
The goal of gene splicing and editing is to remove a section of damaged or mutated DNA associated with cancer development. Gene editing is powered by an enzyme that can snip out a section of DNA and paste a new, correct section.2
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology, using nanoparticles, can be used for early detection and for more precise delivery of treatments for cancer.3
Powerful computing technology
Scientists are using artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze complex data to identify and evaluate the newest therapies and their effectiveness.
The future looks promising for blood cancer treatment
When first diagnosed, I was told by a very knowledgeable patient advocate that there were numerous therapies in the pipeline for blood cancer research. The above are just a few. As the understanding of cancer cell biology increases, better treatment modalities can be developed.
In many cases, some blood cancers have changed from an acute illness into a chronic one.
These promising interventions will be evaluated through additional research and clinical trials to develop effective therapies for blood cancers.
Community Poll
Have you taken our In America Survey yet?
Join the conversation