How Are Blood Cancers Treated?

ChemotherapyChemotherapy is the use of drugs to stop cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs may be used in combination with other drugs or alone. They may be taken by mouth or injected into a vein, into muscle, or under the skin, depending on the specific medication.1Chemotherapy works by targeting fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells. However, other fast-growing cells in the body can also be affected, such as those in the gastrointestinal tract and hair.1Targeted therapyTargeted therapies are cancer treatments that block or slow the spread of cancer. They do this by interfering with specific areas of cancer cells that are involved in the cells' growth or by focusing on specific features that are unique to cancer cells.1While chemotherapy drugs typically kill cancer cells, targeted therapy drugs typically block the growth of cancer cells. Targeted therapies may be used along with chemotherapy to treat certain types of blood cancer.1ImmunotherapyImmunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that aims to boost the body’s own immune system to kill cancer cells.1Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used as part of standard treatment in some blood cancers that can cause masses (such as lymphoma) and for symptom management when cancer cells cause symptoms such as bone pain. Radiation therapy may also be used before a stem cell transplant.1,2Stem cell transplantStem cell transplants are sometimes used along with high doses of chemotherapy. The high dose of chemotherapy destroys the cancer cells, but it can also damage healthy blood cells. Stem cells are then given to restore bone marrow.1Stem cells are immature cells that can become new blood cells. They may be gathered from the person with cancer before chemotherapy. The cancer cells are filtered out, and then the person is given high doses of chemotherapy to get rid of any remaining cancer cells. The person's own healthy stem cells are then given to restore their bone marrow. This is called an autologous transplant.1Stem cells may also be given by a donor. This is called an allogeneic transplant. During this process, the person with cancer is given chemotherapy and/or radiation to "condition" their bone marrow to accept the donor's stem cells. The donor's stem cells are then given to the person to restore their bone marrow.1SurgeryIn some cases, a person with blood cancer may have surgery to remove an enlarged spleen. This surgery is called a splenectomy. While this surgery does not cure blood cancer, it can relieve some of the symptoms, such as when an enlarged spleen presses on other organs like the stomach.2Watchful waitingWatchful waiting may be recommended in certain cases of blood cancer where the person is not experiencing symptoms from their disease and the blood cancer is slow-growing.4During watchful waiting, the person does not receive treatment for blood cancer. However, problems like infections are treated. A person’s health is closely monitored during watchful waiting. Doctors watch for any changes in condition and symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, or an enlarged spleen.4New types of blood cancer treatmentThere are many standard therapies available to treat the different types of blood cancer. However, researchers are studying new treatments. Some of these treatments are available in clinical trials.Clinical trials are an important part of the scientific process to find and prove the safety and effectiveness of new treatments. They offer people a chance to receive the latest treatments and be closely monitored by doctors. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, talk to your doctor. They can discuss treatment options with you and help you decide if a clinical trial might be right for you.5