Blood cancers are classified into three main types, each with several subtypes. The underlying cause is attributed to mutations in the DNA of blood cells that disrupt the normal control mechanisms that regulate cell growth, division and death. Dr. Wesam Ahmed, the Department Chair of Hematology, Medical Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, explains that “when DNA mutates or gives cells new instructions, the body sometimes develops abnormal blood cells that grow and multiply faster than normal” leading to an accumulation of abnormal cells in the bone marrow.
The exact triggers for genetic changes in blood cancers remain elusive, but researchers believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role. Leukemia, for instance, may result from changes in chromosomes that affect genes responsible for cell growth and tumor suppression. Exposure to high levels of radiation or certain chemicals could contribute to these genetic alterations as well.
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Symptoms of blood cancers vary based on the specific type but share common features, including fatigue, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, and bone pain. Dr. Ahmed emphasises the importance of seeking medical attention when these symptoms persist.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Fatima bint Mubarak Center provides specialised multidisciplinary care for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant and non-malignant blood disorders. It adopts an integrated approach to the diagnosis and treatment which involves a thorough assessment of symptoms, medical history, and physical examinations. Various tests, tailored to the suspected blood cancer type, are employed to aid in accurate diagnosis. These tests include complete blood counts, blood chemistry tests, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, bone marrow biopsies, and blood cell examinations.
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Dr. Julieta Osorio Zuluaga, Clinical Associate Hematologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, highlights the significant technological advancements in blood cancer diagnosis and treatment that the healthcare industry has made. She emphasises: “Advancements in precision oncology including next-generation sequencing, molecular testing, as well as bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) therapy are not just incremental steps forward for the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers; they are transformative leaps that empower us to understand and treat malignancies with a level of precision that was previously unimaginable.”
These technologies are not only changing the landscape of patient care but are also redefining the very paradigms of medical science.
Dr. Wesam Ahmed and Dr. Julieta Zuluaga
Diagnostic technologies
Precision oncology leverages next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyse the entire genome of cancer cells, providing insights into genetic mutations that guide precise diagnosis and tailored therapies. Molecular testing detects genetic mutations and changes in genetic material, aiding in early detection, prognosis determination, and treatment monitoring.
Treatment technologies
Immunotherapy emerges as a promising avenue, harnessing the body’s immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. BiTE therapy, a form of immunotherapy, binds immune cells and cancer cells, enhancing the immune system’s ability to combat cancer.
The convergence of genetic insights and technological advancements holds the potential to revolutionise blood cancer treatment, offering new avenues for personalised care, leading to improved outcomes and increased hope for individuals battling blood cancers.
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