Blood cancers, a group of malignancies that affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system, pose a significant global health challenge. According to a 2020 report by the World Health Organization, cancer was a leading global cause of death and claimed around 10 million lives that year. Blood cancer was among the top five causes of death related to cancer, according to the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
Amidst cancer’s diverse forms, blood cancers stand apart due to their distinct characteristics and complexities. Dr. Wesam Ahmed, Department Chair of Hematology, Medical Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Oncology Institute, explains the various blood cancer types and their genetic underpinnings, stating: “Genetic alterations in blood cells disrupt their normal functioning, which may lead to blood cancers.”
Leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are the three primary blood cancers. Leukemia involves anomalous white blood cell production, lymphoma entails uncontrollable lymphocyte production, and myeloma originates from bone marrow plasma cells. Though precise genetic triggers remain unclear, factors like radiation exposure, chemicals, infections, and immune system dysfunction may contribute to their occurrence.
Early symptom recognition
Early symptom recognition is crucial for timely intervention. Dr Ahmed emphasizes: “Symptoms like fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and recurrent infections warrant attention, as they could potentially signal blood cancers.” It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider if these symptoms persist for an extended period, he advises.
Revolutionary MedTech
Medical technology’s progress, however, has revolutionized blood cancers’ early diagnostics and treatment. Dr Sherjeel Sana, Staff Physician and Consultant from the Medical Oncology Department at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, explains: “Technological strides have greatly enhanced blood cancer diagnosis and treatment precision. Cutting-edge methodologies like next-generation sequencing enable comprehensive genome analysis, identifying genetic mutations responsible for cancers. Molecular testing, on the other hand, allows for early detection and monitoring of treatment response by analyzing genetic changes in the blood.”
When it comes to treatment, immunotherapy and novel cellular therapies has emerged as a game-changing approach that harnesses the immune system to combat cancer effectively. BiTE (bispecific T-cell engager) therapy exemplifies this, uniting these approaches against cancer cells, and facilitating a potent immune response against cancer. “While ongoing research continues, this approach holds substantial promise for certain types of leukemia and lymphomas,” Dr Sana notes.
Multidisciplinary cancer care
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Fatima bint Mubarak Center adopts a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, prioritizing early detection, prevention, and tailored treatment, collaborating closely with the Cleveland Clinic in the U.S. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the Fatima bint Mubarak Center strives toward enhancing the quality of care to our blood cancer patients in the UAE and beyond. In the words of Dr. Sana, “Technology empowers and will continue to transform the way we treat blood cancers with precision and hope.”
- To learn more about Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Fatima bint Mubarak Center’s Hematology & Blood Cancer Program visit: https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/cancercenter/cancer-programs/blood-cancer
