Hearing the words “You have cancer” can be overwhelming. However, advancements in hematology oncology — the field that focuses on blood cancers, solid tumors, and related disorders — have made it possible for many patients to lead longer, healthier lives.
Let us discuss the latest treatments in hematology oncology and how they work to improve patient outcomes.
Understanding Hematology Oncology
Hematology oncology is a specialized field that merges hematology (the study of blood conditions) with oncology (the study of cancers). Hematologists-oncologists diagnose and treat conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and other cancers affecting the blood, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.
These experts also manage solid tumors such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Treatments often focus on targeting cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells, with care plans tailored for each patient.
Key Treatments in Hematology Oncology
The following are the key treatment offered by hematology oncology providers.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments in hematology oncology. It uses drugs to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from growing. These drugs circulate through the bloodstream, making chemotherapy effective for cancers that have spread.
Common examples include doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).
While chemotherapy can be highly effective, it may cause side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss. Doctors often modify dosages or include complementary therapies to reduce these effects.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. This treatment works well for blood cancers like Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other aggressive tumors.
Checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) improve how the immune system responds to cancer, while monoclonal antibodies directly target tumors.
With fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy, immunotherapy is revolutionizing hematology oncology. It has proven effective for patients who no longer respond to traditional treatments.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy blocks the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with specific molecules that fuel cancer progression. For example, imatinib (Gleevec) is tailored for chronic myeloid leukemia, while rituximab (Rituxan) treats certain types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Patients benefit from fewer side effects as targeted therapies focus on cancer cells rather than attacking healthy ones. Physicians typically order genetic tests to determine if targeted therapy is right for you.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to shrink tumors or kill cancer cells. Your care team may recommend it before surgery to reduce tumor size or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
Advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) protect healthy tissues, making this a common treatment for solid tumors.
For hematology oncology patients with conditions like lymphoma, radiation may be used alongside other treatments, such as chemotherapy, for greater effectiveness.
Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplants
For certain blood cancers, such as leukemia and multiple myeloma, a stem cell or bone marrow transplant can be life-saving. This procedure replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy cells, often sourced from a donor or the patient’s own body.
While this treatment requires a rigorous process of conditioning, eligibility assessments, and follow-up care, it offers the chance for long-term remission.
Clinical Trials
If standard treatments no longer work, patients may consider participating in clinical trials. These trials provide access to cutting-edge therapies that are not yet available to the general public.
Hematology oncology clinical trials often test promising treatments like CAR T-cell therapy, which modifies immune cells to fight cancer more effectively.
Patients should consult their care team to determine if a clinical trial is suitable for their condition.
Supportive Care and Palliative Treatments
Supportive care ensures patients undergoing hematology oncology treatments experience a better quality of life. This may include medications to control pain, manage side effects, or treat anemia.
Palliative treatments prioritize comfort alongside curative measures, emphasizing the importance of holistic care in cancer management.
Benefits of Seeking Expert Hematology Oncology Care
The following outlines the top benefits of seeking expert hematology oncology care.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every cancer diagnosis is unique. A team of hematology oncology specialists creates a tailored care plan based on your health history, genetics, and type of cancer.
Advanced Technology
Leading cancer centers use state-of-the-art equipment, from robotic-assisted surgeries to cutting-edge diagnostics that catch cancer at its earliest stages.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Hematology oncology teams work alongside other experts in surgery, psychology, and nutrition to address your physical, emotional, and mental health needs.
Seeking guidance from a knowledgeable care team with expertise in hematology oncology is critical for the best possible treatment outcomes.
Hematology Oncology Treatments in Syracuse, NY
You do not have to face a cancer diagnosis alone. At the Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University, our hematology oncology specialists are dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care. With personalized treatment plans, advanced therapies, and holistic support, we are committed to improving your health and quality of life.
To learn more about how we can support your care, send us an email at DeptMedicine@upstate.edu. Together, we will empower you to take control of your health and find the best solutions for cancer.
