Your blood, making up about 8 percent of your body weight, plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall health. As it circulates through your vascular system, blood supplies essential oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and antibodies to all your organs. Blood is composed of a nearly equal mix of plasma—the liquid that transports cells, waste, and nutrients—and blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
When cancer strikes the blood, it usually involves the abnormal and excessive reproduction of white blood cells. This disruption can lead to various health complications, affecting the body’s ability to function properly.
In this blog, we will delve into what blood cancer is, its symptoms, treatment options, and the associated costs, providing you with a thorough understanding of this critical health issue. Whether you’re looking for information for yourself or someone you care about, this guide will offer valuable insights into managing and treating blood cancer.
What is Blood Cancer?
Blood cancer is a disease that affects your blood cells and how they work. Most blood cancers start in the bone marrow, which is the soft, sponge-like tissue inside your bones. The bone marrow makes stem cells that turn into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Red blood cells carry oxygen, white blood cells fight infection, and platelets help control bleeding. When you have blood cancer, something goes wrong with how your body makes these blood cells. Abnormal blood cells crowd out the normal ones, leading to various health problems. However, with new treatments, more people are living longer with blood cancer.
Types of Blood Cancer
Blood and bone marrow cancers come in several types:
Leukemia: This cancer starts in the bone marrow, where abnormal white blood cells are produced excessively, affecting the body’s ability to make red blood cells and platelets.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: This cancer begins in the lymphatic system from lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that defend against infections.
Hodgkin Lymphoma: Also originating in the lymphatic system from lymphocytes, this cancer is identified by abnormal cells known as Reed-Sternberg cells.
Multiple Myeloma: Starting in the bone marrow’s plasma cells, which produce antibodies, this cancer affects the immune system.
Less common types include:
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): Rare conditions where blood-forming cells in the bone marrow are damaged.
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs): Rare cancers causing overproduction of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. Examples include essential thrombocythemia (ET), myelofibrosis (MF), and polycythemia vera (PV).
Amyloidosis: Though not cancer, this disorder involves abnormal protein buildup (amyloid) and is closely linked to multiple myeloma.
Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma originating in B cells.
Aplastic Anemia: Stem cell damage leads to this rare condition, requiring treatment such as a bone marrow transplant.
Causes of Blood Cancer
Blood cancers arise due to mutations in the DNA of blood cells. These genetic changes cause the cells to behave abnormally, leading to the development of cancer. The specific risk factors for different types of blood cancer can vary. Below are detailed explanations of the risk factors for several common types of blood cancer.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is the most common form of leukemia in adults. Several factors increase the risk of developing AML:
- Advancing Age: The likelihood of AML increases with age.
- Gender: Males are more prone to AML compared to females.
- Exposure to Industrial Chemicals: Chemicals like benzene, found in industries, significantly raise the risk.
- Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that can lead to AML.
- History of Cancer Treatment: Prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other cancers can increase the risk.
- High Radiation Exposure: Individuals exposed to high doses of radiation, such as from nuclear accidents, are at higher risk.
- Other Blood Cancers: A history of other blood cancers can predispose one to AML.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin Lymphoma is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. The risk factors include:
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Infection: A history of EBV infection, which causes mononucleosis, is a known risk factor.
- Advancing Age: The risk increases with age, though it has two peak age ranges (young adults and older adults).
- Gender: Males are slightly more likely to develop Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Family History: Having a close relative with Hodgkin lymphoma increases risk.
- Compromised Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma involves various types of lymphoma that do not contain Reed-Sternberg cells. Risk factors include:
- Chemical Exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals, herbicides, and insecticides can elevate risk.
- Chemotherapy: Previous treatment with chemotherapy drugs can increase susceptibility.
- Radiation Exposure: Individuals exposed to radiation, such as through medical treatments or occupational hazards, are at higher risk.
- Compromised Immune System: Conditions or treatments that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or organ transplants, can increase risk.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Having autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus is a risk factor.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The risk factors include:
- Advancing Age: Risk increases significantly with age.
- Gender: Males are more likely to develop multiple myeloma.
- Race: African Americans have a higher incidence of multiple myeloma compared to other races.
- Obesity: Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of developing this cancer.
Understanding these risk factors can help in early detection and prevention strategies for blood cancers. However, it is essential to note that having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will definitely develop blood cancer, and many people with blood cancer may not have any known risk factors. Regular check-ups and discussions with healthcare providers are crucial for those at higher risk.
Symptoms of Blood and Bone Marrow Cancers
These symptoms of blood and bone marrow cancers can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms persistently or have concerns, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Fever, Chills: Persistent or recurring fever and chills can indicate an underlying infection or abnormal immune response, common in blood cancers.
Persistent Fatigue, Weakness: Feeling unusually tired and weak, even with enough rest, is a common symptom due to the body’s struggle with producing healthy blood cells.
Loss of Appetite, Nausea: A reduced desire to eat accompanied by feelings of nausea may occur, impacting overall nutrition and health.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without trying can be a sign that the body is not functioning properly due to cancer affecting metabolism.
Night Sweats: Excessive sweating during sleep, unrelated to room temperature, can be a symptom of blood cancers like lymphoma.
Bone/Joint Pain: Pain in bones and joints, often persistent and not relieved by usual methods, may indicate cancer affecting bone marrow.
Abdominal Discomfort: Vague or persistent discomfort in the abdominal area, often with bloating or cramping, can be a symptom of leukemia or lymphoma affecting abdominal organs.
Headaches: Persistent headaches that don’t go away with typical treatments could be a sign of blood cancer, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath, especially during normal activities, can result from anemia caused by blood cancers.
Frequent Infections: Blood cancers weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections that occur more often or are harder to treat.
Itchy Skin or Skin Rash: Skin issues like itching or a rash that doesn’t go away can be a symptom, often associated with certain types of blood cancers.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin area can be a sign that the immune system is responding to cancerous cells.
Common Treatment Options for Blood and Bone Marrow Cancers
Understand the line of treatments for blood and bone marrow cancers:
Stem Cell Transplantation
Stem cell transplantation is a procedure used to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy blood-forming stem cells. These stem cells can come from the patient’s own body (autologous transplant) or from a donor (allogeneic transplant). The process involves several steps:
- Collection: Stem cells are collected from the bone marrow, circulating blood, or umbilical cord blood. In an autologous transplant, the patient’s own stem cells are harvested and stored. In an allogeneic transplant, stem cells are collected from a matching donor.
- Conditioning: Before the transplant, the patient undergoes high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy the existing, damaged bone marrow and make room for the new stem cells. This process also helps to eliminate cancer cells.
- Infusion: The collected stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream. These cells travel to the bone marrow, where they begin to grow and produce new blood cells.
- Engraftment: This is the period during which the new stem cells start to grow and make healthy blood cells. It usually takes a few weeks for the new cells to begin producing enough blood cells to replace the ones that were destroyed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. For blood cancers, chemotherapy can be administered in different ways:
- Systemic Chemotherapy: This involves taking the drugs orally or injecting them into a vein (intravenously). The drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells all over the body.
- Combination Chemotherapy: Often, several chemotherapy drugs are used together in a set regimen. This approach can be more effective than using a single drug because it attacks the cancer cells in different ways.
- High-Dose Chemotherapy: This is used before a stem cell transplant to kill as many cancer cells as possible. The high doses of chemotherapy destroy the bone marrow, necessitating a stem cell transplant to restore the bone marrow’s function.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It can be used in several ways for blood cancers:
- Targeted Radiation: Radiation can be directed at specific areas of the body where cancer is present to destroy cancer cells or reduce the size of tumors. This approach can be used to relieve symptoms such as pain or discomfort caused by cancer.
- Total Body Irradiation (TBI): Before a stem cell transplant, some patients may receive radiation to the entire body. TBI helps to kill cancer cells and suppress the immune system to prevent rejection of the transplanted stem cells.
- Palliative Radiation: This is used to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with advanced cancer. It can help alleviate pain, control bleeding, or reduce pressure from tumors on vital organs.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. It works by stimulating or restoring the immune system’s natural ability to detect and destroy cancer cells. This approach can be particularly effective for certain types of blood cancers. Here are some common forms of immunotherapy used in treating blood and bone marrow cancers:
Types of Immunotherapy
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made molecules designed to target specific antigens (proteins) on the surface of cancer cells. By binding to these antigens, they mark the cancer cells for destruction by the immune system.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
These drugs help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells by blocking proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking the body’s own cells.
CAR T-Cell Therapy
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy involves modifying a patient’s own T cells (a type of immune cell) to express receptors specific to cancer cells. These engineered T cells are then reintroduced into the patient’s body to find and kill cancer cells.
Cytokines
Cytokines are proteins that enhance the immune system’s ability to respond to cancer. They can help boost the numbers and activity of immune cells.
Also Read: What are the Pros and Cons of Immunotherapy?
Surgery
Surgery is rarely used in the treatment of blood cancers, as these types of cancers typically respond better to other forms of therapy such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. However, in certain cases of lymphoma, surgical intervention might be necessary. One such procedure is a splenectomy, which involves the removal of the spleen. This may be required if the spleen becomes significantly enlarged or damaged due to the cancer or its treatment. Although not common, surgical removal of the spleen can help alleviate symptoms, improve blood cell counts, and enhance the overall effectiveness of other cancer treatments.
Blood Cancer Treatment Cost in India
The cost of treating blood cancer in India varies based on the type of cancer, treatment plan, hospital, and location. The minimum price for Blood Cancer Treatment in India starts from INR Rs. 38,000. The average cost of Blood Cancer Treatment in India is INR Rs. 10,94,000.
These costs cover various aspects of treatment, including diagnostic tests, hospital stays, medications, procedures, and follow-up care. It’s important for patients and families to discuss the detailed cost breakdown with their healthcare provider and explore potential financial assistance or insurance coverage options.
Blood Cancer Survival Rates
Blood cancer survival rates can vary depending on the type of cancer and other factors like age and overall health. According to the National Cancer Institute’s data:
Leukemia: About 67 out of 100 people diagnosed survive for at least five years.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Around 74 out of 100 people survive for at least five years.
Hodgkin lymphoma: Approximately 89 out of 100 people survive for at least five years.
Myeloma: About 60 out of 100 people survive for at least five years.
These survival rates are estimates based on past data and treatments. Ongoing advancements in medicine continue to improve outcomes for people with blood cancers, offering more hope for the future.
Conclusion
Understanding blood cancer, its symptoms, treatment options, and associated costs is crucial for those affected by the disease. Advances in medical science have significantly improved survival rates, offering hope to many. If you or a loved one is facing blood cancer, staying informed and seeking comprehensive care can make a significant difference. Remember, early detection and timely treatment are key to better outcomes. Stay proactive, consult healthcare professionals, and explore all available treatment options for the best possible care.
Also Read: Lymphoma rash: When a blood cancer attacks the skin
