Blood cancer, a complex group of cancers, results in the abnormal production of blood cells.
Most blood cancers start in the bone marrow (sponge blood-forming tissue); however, in lymphoma, it starts in the lymphatic system. Various types of blood cancer are present, and each is related to different symptoms, or sometimes no symptoms at all in the early stage.
To treat blood cancer, several options are available based on the types and severity of the condition. However, chemotherapy for blood cancer is the primary possible treatment that can be provided alone or in combination with other therapies.
Types of Blood Cancer
Blood cancer is broadly classified into three major types:
Leukemia: A cancer of the bone marrow and blood, caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells
Lymphoma: Cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, affecting lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell)
- Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): Characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): A diverse group of lymphatic cancers with varying progression rates
Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow that disrupts normal antibody production and weakens the immune system
Less Common Types of Blood Cancer
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN)
All types of blood cancer are treated using one or a combination of therapies, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, or stem cell transplant, depending on the diagnosis and stage.
How does Chemotherapy Treat Blood Cancer?
In Chemotherapy, powerful drugs are used to destroy and prevent the multiplication of cancerous cells. These drugs circulate through the bloodstream, allowing them to reach cancer cells throughout the body, including those that may have spread beyond the bone marrow.
In blood cancer, chemotherapy works by;
- Alter the DNA of cancer cells, reducing their ability to grow and divide
- Damage cellular structures, interfering with the cancer cell’s function
- Trigger cell death (apoptosis) in rapidly dividing cancer cells
- Prevent cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA, leading to cell breakdown
The chemotherapy can be administered in one of the following ways, based on the patient’s condition;
- Oral chemotherapy (pills or capsules)
- Intravenous (IV) chemotherapy
- Intrathecal chemotherapy (injected into the cerebrospinal fluid for cases involving the central nervous system).
What are the Phases of Chemotherapy for Blood Cancer?
The following are the phases of chemotherapy for blood cancer, planned according to the type, stage, and patient’s condition.
- Induction Therapy: The first step used to bring about remission is to kill as many cancerous cells as possible and restore healthy blood counts. It typically involves a combination of chemotherapy drugs given over a few weeks. Patients usually receive chemo for a few days.
- Post-Remission (Consolidation/Intensification) Therapy: This phase targets residual cancer cells that may not be visible in diagnostic tests but still remain in the body. Without this stage, there is a higher risk of relapse. It typically involves high-dose chemotherapy and, in some cases, a stem cell transplant.
- Maintenance Therapy: This phase aims to prevent relapse by keeping any remaining cancer cells under control. It can last up to 2 years after post-remission therapy ends.
- Combination Chemotherapy:
Many blood cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma, this approach combine multiple drugs that work at different stages of the cancer cell cycle.
- Intrathecal Chemotherapy:
In cases where cancer spreads to the brain or spinal cord, drugs are injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid through a lumbar puncture. This helps kill cancer cells in the central nervous system and prevents further spread.
Precautions During Chemotherapy for Blood Cancer
Follow these precautions while undergoing chemotherapy for blood cancer:
- Maintain hygiene and clean surroundings
- Avoid crowds, alcohol, smoking, and raw food
- Rest well and do light exercise if allowed
- Use mild skincare and protect from the sun
- Take medicines as prescribed and report any fever or bleeding
- Don’t miss follow-up visits or tests
Know More:- Blood Cancer Treatment Cost in India
What are the Side Effects of Chemotherapy for Blood Cancer?
Chemotherapy can affect healthy cells, leading to side effects such as
- Fatigue and weakness
- Hair loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mouth sores
- Increased risk of infections
- Bleeding or bruising easily
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Fertility changes
- Risk of secondary cancers (in rare cases)
Most side effects are manageable and temporary. Supportive care and medications are provided alongside treatment to help reduce discomfort.
Key Takeaways
Chemotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for blood cancer, helping to destroy abnormal cells and prevent their spread. The treatment is given in multiple phases to destroy the cancerous cells to reduce the chance of relapse.
Depending on the type and severity of blood cancer, it may be combined with targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplantation. With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, many patients achieve remission and improved quality of life.