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Hematologic Cancers

Hematologic cancers, also known as blood cancer, are cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow or lymph nodes. Common hematologic cancers include leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

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Regaining control of blood cells

Every part of your blood is made up of cells. But when these cells start growing out of control, they make it very challenging for other parts of your blood to perform their jobs. The four major parts of blood and their functions are:

  • Plasma: The liquid component of your blood that transports nutrients, hormones and proteins throughout the body and removes waste
  • Platelets: In charge of blood clotting
  • Red blood cells: Carry oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body
  • White blood cells: In charge of protecting your immune system

If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with a hematologic cancer or referred to our specialists for an assessment, you’re probably wondering what comes next. We’ll be here for you every step of the way, from the first sign of symptoms through treatments and ongoing care. 

Andreas Klein, MD of Tufts Medical Center's Cancer Center talking to patient in a clinic appointment.
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Conditions

Hematologic cancers and blood disorders can affect your body's natural, healthy rhythm. If you suspect or know you're living with one of the following types of hematologic cancers, trust that our team will work hard for your wellness:

Amyloidosis
Hodgkin lymphoma
Leukemia
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Myeloma
Myeloproliferative disorders
Non-hodgkin lymphoma
Plasma-cell myeloma
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Testing

We use a variety of testing methods to pinpoint your diagnosis and develop an effective, personalized treatment plan. Some of the tests we perform to better understand your condition are histologic and molecular testing.

Histologic testing

Histologic testing is similar to a biopsy. We’ll take a small amount of tissue, stain it with different kinds of dyes, and analyze it under a microscope to see how the cells react.

Molecular testing

There are a variety of ways to look at your DNA and see how it’s changed over time, including molecular testing. This information helps us understand your specific condition and how your body might respond to certain treatments.

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Treatments

Living with a hematologic cancer can feel overwhelming, but understanding your treatment options doesn’t have to be. Together, we’ll develop a care plan that aligns with your cancer type, health history and lifestyle.

Bone marrow transplant

A bone marrow transplant uses stem cells — sourced from your body or from a donor who's the right match for you — to replace cancer cells with healthy ones. We've helped thousands of people find new hope with this life-saving procedure, and we even performed the first-ever bone marrow transplant in Boston.

Chemotherapy + radiation therapy

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of both are common approaches for treating hematologic cancers. They’re especially effective treatment methods because they can reach cancerous cells in parts of your body that other treatments often can’t. Our team will be by your side throughout your treatments to adjust and manage side effects.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy harnesses the power of your own immune system to destroy cancer cells. It works by training your immune system to recognize abnormal cells while protecting healthy ones. Your doctor will walk you through your immunotherapy options, including vaccines, medications or injections.

Targeted therapy

Knowledge is power when it comes to understanding your condition, so we turn to your test results to inform what targeted therapy would work best for you. Targeted therapy involves prescribing specific drugs designed to slow or stop the growth of your cancer.

Clinical trials

We’re always pursuing what’s next in healthcare, and what’s next for your health. Our clinical trials offer you access to the most innovative and promising drugs and procedures from the pharmaceutical industry and our research laboratories.

Anasuya Gunturi MD, PhD talks with patient at Lowell General Hospital's Women's Wellness Center clinic appointment.
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Meet the doctors and care team devoted to supporting you every step of the way along your path to better health.

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