Blood cancer affects the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. It includes types like leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Treating blood cancer can be complex due to the variety of subtypes and the individual needs of each patient.
Treatments for Blood Cancer
Know the primary treatments for blood cancers, which may vary depending on the type, stage, and health of the patient.
1. Chemotherapy- It is one of the most common treatments for blood cancer. It involves the usage of powerful drugs that destroy cancer cells and prevent their ability to divide and grow. Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously (IV), orally, or through a combination of both.
While chemotherapy is extremely effective in treating various blood cancers, it can also affect healthy cells. However, it remains a vital treatment, especially for aggressive cancers like leukaemia.
2. Targeted Therapy- It is a newer treatment option that targets cancer cells while reducing damage to healthy cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which works by indiscriminately killing rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy works by blocking the signals that enable cancer cells to grow and divide.
This treatment is often used in cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and certain kinds of lymphoma. Some targeted therapies involve monoclonal antibodies, which are lab-made molecules that can bind to cancer cells and either directly destroy them or mark them for destruction by the immune system.
3. Immunotherapy- It is a kind of treatment that helps the immune system recognize as well as fight cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which targets the cancer cells in a direct manner, immunotherapy stimulates the body’s natural defences.
One of the most promising forms of immunotherapy for blood cancer is CAR T-cell therapy. This involves modifying the patient’s own T-cells (a type of immune cell) to make them better at recognizing and attacking cancer cells.
4. Radiation Therapy- It uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. While it’s more commonly used for solid tumours, radiation therapy can also play an important role in treating blood cancers, especially lymphoma. It can be used to shrink tumours or relieve symptoms, such as pain or swelling, caused by cancer.
Radiation is usually localized, meaning it targets a specific area of the body rather than affecting the whole system.
Conclusion
Advancements in blood cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy offer hope for many patients. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with blood cancer, you can consult Dr. Joydeep Ghosh, a medical oncologist in Kolkata.