Hematology is the study and treatment of diseases associated with blood cells and the blood-forming organs. Hematologists are doctors who treat blood diseases. The first curable cancers, lymphoma and leukemia, were blood disorders treated by chemotherapy.

Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are all specific types of blood cancer. These diseases begin in blood cells found in blood-forming tissues, such as bone marrow and the lymphatic system.

At Palo Alto Medical Foundation, we offer comprehensive services for diagnosing and treating blood cancers. Because medical oncologists prescribe chemotherapy medications that may produce side effects in the blood system, oncologists and hematologists often work together during treatment. Some doctors have a dual specialty of both hematology and medical oncology. (Hematology also covers blood problems not directly related to cancer, such as bleeding and clotting conditions.)

Laboratory Tests

We offer the full range of lab tests to diagnose, stage and monitor blood cancers. These include:

• Bone Marrow Aspiration — A long, thin needle is used to withdraw a sample of liquid bone marrow, usually from the hip bone.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy — Your doctor removes a sample of bone and marrow from the inside of a bone.
• Skin Lesion Biopsy — A small sample of skin is surgically removed.
• Tumor or Lymph Node Biopsy — Your surgeon removes all (excisional biopsy) or part (incisional biopsy) of a mass or a lymph node.
• Lumbar Puncture — A needle is inserted into the spinal canal to remove a sample of the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord.

Medical Therapy

We provide many different medical therapies to treat your cancer.

• Chemotherapy is used to treat many forms of blood cancer.
• Immunotherapy takes advantage of the immune system to kill cancer cells. Some of these substances help your own immune system cells to fight disease, while others are laboratory-made versions of immune system substances.
• Targeted therapy uses drugs to focus on a specific part of the cancer cells, ultimately disrupting their ability to function and causing the cells to die.
• A bone marrow transplant (or stem cell transplant) uses donor tissue to restore the bone marrow and produce healthy blood cells. Many patients receive only stem cells, which can be harvested from a donor’s bloodstream, rather than bone marrow mixed with stem cells. At PAMF, we can refer you to other cancer centers for transplant services.
• Some patients may also be treated with a plasma exchange, a procedure in which the blood supply is cleansed of extra antibody proteins and plasma.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is used to treat some blood cancers, often in conjunction with chemotherapy.  A special type of radiation therapy, called involved site radiation therapy (ISRT), aims treatment at only the affected lymph nodes, sparing other tissues. When radiation therapy is given to a larger area (often as part of a stem cell transplant) it may be called extended field radiation therapy.

Special Services

Undergoing treatment for leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma can have a major impact on your life. Throughout your treatment, doctors and specialists will work with you to provide pain management and palliative care services to help you maintain a good quality of life. You might also want to take advantage of some of the special services and support we offer, such as support groups, nutritional counseling and help from social workers and financial counselors.