Hematology Oncology (Hemato-Oncology)

Hematology Oncology is a specialized field focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and research of blood cancers (leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas) and hematologic disorders. These cancers originate in bone marrow, blood cells, or lymphatic system, requiring unique therapeutic approaches compared to solid tumors.

Types of Blood Cancers

1. Leukemias
   • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) – Most common pediatric blood cancer
   • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) – Aggressive adult leukemia
   • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) – Slow-growing, common in elderly
2. Lymphomas
   • Hodgkin Lymphoma – High cure rates
   • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) – 60+ subtypes (Diffuse Large B-Cell most common)
3. Myeloproliferative Disorders
   • Multiple Myeloma – Plasma cell cancer
   • Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) – Pre-leukemic condition

Key Risk Factors

Modifiable:

• Chemical/radiation exposure
• Immunosuppressant drugs
  Non-Modifiable:
• Genetic predispositions (Down syndrome, BRCA mutations)
• Aging (most cases occur >60 years)

Diagnostic Advancements

• Flow Cytometry – Cell marker analysis
• Next-Gen Sequencing – Identifies mutations (FLT3, TP53)
• PET-CT/MRI – For lymphoma staging

Cutting-Edge Treatments

1. Immunotherapies

• CAR-T Cell Therapy (Kymriah, Yescarta) – For relapsed lymphomas/ALL
• Bispecific Antibodies (Blinatumomab for ALL)

2. Targeted Therapies

• BTK Inhibitors (Ibrutinib for CLL)
• BCL-2 Inhibitors (Venetoclax for AML)

3. Transplant Innovations

• Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplants – Expanded donor options
• Reduced-Intensity Conditioning – For elderly patients

Survivorship Challenges

• Long-term immunosuppression risks
• Secondary cancer development
• Cognitive dysfunction (“chemo brain”)