hematologic cancer

Hematologic Cancer: An Overview

Hematologic cancer, also known as blood cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, or in the cells of the immune system. This category of cancer affects the production and function of your blood cells.

• Types of Hematologic Cancer: Examples of hematologic cancer include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
• Origin: Most blood cancers start in the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced.
• Impact on Blood Cells: Abnormal blood cells grow out of control, interfering with the function of normal blood cells, which fight off infection and produce new blood cells.

According to the National Cancer Institute data, blood cancers represent about 10% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each year, and an estimated 3% of all cancer-related deaths.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hematologic Cancer

Hematologic cancers, also known as blood cancers, can manifest in various ways, making it essential to recognize the signs and symptoms early on for effective diagnosis and treatment. Here are some common indicators:

• Fatigue: Feeling extremely weak or tired, even after resting [7][9]
• Frequent Infections: Recurring infections, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections, due to a weakened immune system [7][11]
• Bleeding or Bruising Easily: Unexplained bleeding or bruising, which can be a sign of low platelet count [7][11]
• Fever: Repeated episodes of fever, often accompanied by chills and fatigue [4][7]
• Night Sweats: Hot flashes or night sweats, which can be a symptom of various hematologic cancers [6][8]
• Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss, particularly in cases of lymphoma or leukemia [4][14]

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, some people may experience:

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded even when sitting still [3]
• Itchy Skin: Unexplained itching sensations on the skin [3]
• Bone Pain: Aching or tenderness in the bones, particularly in cases of myeloma or leukemia [2][9]

Importance of Early Detection

Recognizing these signs and symptoms early on is crucial for prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and care.

References:

[1] Not provided in the context [2] Context #2 [3] Context #3 [4] Context #4 [5] Not provided in the context [6] Context #6 [7] Context #7 [8] Context #8 [9] Context #9 [10] Not provided in the context [11] Context #11 [12] Not provided in the context [13] Not provided in the context [14] Context #14

Diagnostic Tests for Hematologic Cancer

Hematologic cancers, also known as blood cancers, are a group of diseases that affect the blood and bone marrow. These cancers can be diagnosed using various diagnostic tests.

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC is a common test used to diagnose hematologic cancers. It measures the levels and shapes of different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets [10].
• Blood Smears: Blood smears may be used to help diagnose leukemia and monitor cancer and its treatments [13]. A blood smear is a test that examines the shape and size of blood cells.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of bone marrow is removed from the hipbone using a needle. This test can help diagnose hematologic cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma [12].
• Immunophenotyping: Immunophenotyping is a test that examines the proteins on the surface of blood cells to determine their type and function. It can be used to diagnose certain types of leukemia or lymphoma [11].

Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to these tests, other diagnostic tools may also be used to diagnose hematologic cancers, including:

• Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, may be used to visualize the affected area and determine the extent of the disease [5].
• Genetic tests: Genetic tests may be used to identify specific genetic mutations that are associated with certain types of hematologic cancers [11].

References

[10] The most common lab test that you'll have done during treatment is called a complete blood count, or CBC. Blood is made up of water, proteins, nutrients, and living cells. A CBC tells your cancer care team about the cells in your blood. It measures 3 basic types of blood cells: Red blood cells; White blood cells; Platelets

[11] Hematologic tests help diagnose diseases of the blood and bone marrow cells, such as anemia, infection, hemophilia, blood-clotting disorders, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. ... tool that can be used for a wide variety of lymphomas and other solid tumors and can be used to further define hematologic cancer cells (Herold and Mitra, 2022).

[12] Cancer Diagnosis - Etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, signs, ... Testing in Cancer Diagnosis. Tests include imaging tests, biomarkers, and biopsies; one or more of which may be indicated in patients with a suggestive history or physical or laboratory findings. ... Bone marrow biopsy may be informative in patients with unexplained hematologic ...

[13] Blood smears may be used to help diagnose leukemia and monitor cancer and its treatments. Circulating Tumor Cell Test. Compared to other cancer blood tests, the circulating tumor cell test is a more recently developed blood test for cancer. Also known as the liquid biopsy, this test may be used to find and analyze:

Treatment Options for Hematologic Cancer

Hematologic cancers, also known as blood cancers, are a group of diseases that affect the blood and bone marrow. The treatment options for these cancers have evolved significantly over the years, and today there are several effective therapies available.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for hematologic cancers. It involves using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells in the bloodstream and bone marrow. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously or orally, and it's often used in combination with other treatments such as radiation therapy or immunotherapy [4][8].

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer. It involves using medications or therapies that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy, have shown significant promise in treating hematologic cancers [5][12].

Targeted Therapies

Targeted therapies are a type of treatment that specifically targets the genetic mutations responsible for the development of hematologic cancers. These therapies can be used to treat specific types of leukemia or lymphoma, and they often have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy [15].

Bone Marrow Transplantation

Bone marrow transplantation is a procedure in which healthy bone marrow cells are transplanted into a patient with a hematologic cancer. This treatment option is often used for patients who have failed other therapies or have a high-risk disease [5][13].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to the above-mentioned treatments, there are several other options available for patients with hematologic cancers. These include:

• Bisphosphonates: These medications can help slow bone breakdown and reduce pain in patients with multiple myeloma or other types of blood cancer [3].
• Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy: This is a type of immunotherapy that involves using genetically modified T cells to attack cancer cells [5][15].

Recent Advances

In recent years, there have been significant advances in the treatment of hematologic cancers. For example, the approval of pembrolizumab for high-risk, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer has expanded treatment options for patients with this disease [2]. Additionally, the development of new targeted therapies and immunotherapies continues to improve outcomes for patients with hematologic cancers.

References

• [1] This page lists cancer drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for leukemia.
• [2] Food and Drug Administration approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda, Merck) for high-risk, early-stage, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
• [3] Bisphosphonates won't slow or stop the spread of cancer, but they can slow bone breakdown, increase bone thickness and reduce bone pain and fracture risk.
• [4] Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for blood cancers, and is usually swallowed or injected into a vein.
• [5] Advanced Hematological Cancer Treatment Options · Bone Marrow Transplantation
• [8] Chemotherapy can be given intravenously or orally, and it's often used in combination with other treatments such as radiation therapy or immunotherapy.
• [12] Several categories of immunotherapies have been developed and are being further evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of blood cancers.
• [13] In this review we explore innovative approaches in the treatment of hematologic cancers by combining various therapeutic modalities.
• [15] Antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cells (CAR-T) are increasingly used for cancer immunotherapy.

Differential Diagnosis of Hematologic Cancer

The differential diagnosis of hematologic cancer involves identifying and ruling out various conditions that can present with similar symptoms to a specific type of blood cancer. This process is crucial in ensuring that patients receive the most accurate and effective treatment for their condition.

Key Steps in Differential Diagnosis

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential: A CBC w/diff is an inexpensive, convenient, and valuable test used as a routine test for hematologic diagnosis. If abnormal cells are found in the CBC w/diff, the next step is usually a physician-requested peripheral blood smear (PBS) examination [1, 2].
• Peripheral Blood Smear (PBS) Examination: A PBS examination has direct diagnostic utility and can help identify abnormalities in red and white blood cell morphology.
• Genomic Analysis: Genomic analysis has greatly influenced the diagnosis and