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Wayne Health’s Malignant Hematology Team takes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing, treating and researching hematologic malignancies (cancers of the blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes), including leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Members of the team include board-certified hematologists and medical oncologists, as well as a radiation oncologist, pathologist and cytogeneticist. The team works closely with the Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant team. By working together, we combine the experience and knowledge of expert clinicians from several different fields to give our patients the best information, a thorough diagnosis and most effective treatments based on individual needs.
On the day of your appointment, you will meet with the appropriate Malignant Hematology team members. A team of physicians evaluates each of our patients, reviews all records, requests any needed additional testing, and discusses the information at a multidisciplinary team conference. After the team conference, a physician shares the team’s recommendations with you and your family members. If other testing is required, or if other specialists need to be seen as part of the proposed therapy, those appointments are arranged the same day or as soon as it is convenient for the patient.
Support groups and screenings
Karmanos Cancer Institute offers the following support groups for cancer patients and their families:
· Women Achieving Victory & Esteem is a monthly support group for female cancer patients (any type, any stage).
· Latina Cancer Support Group/Unidas En Victoria Contra El Cancer meets twice a month and is a support group for Spanish-speaking women with cancer. Location/Sítio: Most Holy Redeemer Church, 1721 Junction St., Detroit, MI 48209.
· Brothers Reaching & Achieving Victory & Esteem is a monthly support group for male cancer patients (any type, any stage).
Multiple myeloma that isn’t causing symptoms may not need treatment right away. If you need treatment, it may include:
Chemotherapy
These medicines kill fast-growing cells like cancer cells.
Radiation therapy
This uses high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Steroid medicines
These can treat myeloma and help with treatment side effects, such as pain and swelling.
Targeted therapy
These medicines attack only cancer cells, not normal cells. They help keep cancer from growing or spreading.
Stem cell transplants
This replaces damaged cells with healthy stem cells. They help your bone marrow make healthy blood cells.
Immunotherapy
This treatment helps your immune system fight cancer. It may be given in several ways.
Bone-modifying agents
These medicines make bones stronger. This helps prevent fractures and reduces bone pain.
Bone tumors caused by multiple myeloma may be treated with medicines, radiation and surgery
Physicians and researchers at Wayne Health are also faculty members of the Wayne State University School of Medicine who partner with Karmanos Cancer Institute to conduct research and clinical studies. This makes the latest treatments and clinical trials available to you sooner than other health providers without a medical school affiliation.
The Hematology Oncology team’s research focuses on the development of new medication therapies for chronic myelogenous leukemia, multiple myeloma, MDS and acute leukemia. Through the work of the Malignant Hematology Oncology team, we were one of the first in the nation to offer Gleevec, an oral chemotherapy medication for certain types of leukemia, during clinical research trials.
For more information, please visit the links below at the WSU School of Medicine.