A Closer Look at Leukemia, Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma

Blood cancers affect the cells in your blood or bone marrow and can impact overall health in different ways. The most common types include leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, each involving different blood cells and requiring specific treatment approaches. While serious, advances in care have made it possible for many patients to manage these conditions effectively and maintain a good quality of life.

Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow, where your body produces blood cells. It leads to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, which can crowd out healthy blood cells.

Treatment for leukemia has become increasingly precise, with therapies now designed to target the specific characteristics of each patient’s disease. As Laurie E. Douglas, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic Hematology/Oncology, explains, “We are no longer treating leukemia as a single condition. Understanding the exact type allows us to choose therapies that are more effective and often better tolerated.”

Leukemia Treatment Options

  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is often the first step in treating leukemia and works by targeting cancerous cells to slow their growth.
  • Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses medications that focus on specific changes in leukemia cells to block signals that allow them to grow and divide.
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack leukemia cells.
  • Stem cell or bone marrow transplant: A stem cell or bone marrow transplant replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy cells in certain cases.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a critical part of the immune system. It occurs when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, grow uncontrollably.

Lymphoma is generally divided into Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma:

  • Hodgkin lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma is identified by the presence of a specific abnormal cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell. These cells are large and unusual, which makes it easier for doctors to recognize and diagnose this type of lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is often easier to treat and has a high cure rate with modern therapies.
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a diverse group of lymphomas that do not have Reed-Sternberg cells. This group includes many different subtypes, and treatment depends on the specific type, growth rate and stage of the disease.

Because lymphoma includes many subtypes, treatment planning is highly individualized. Louis M. Varner, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic Hematology/Oncology, specializes in the diagnosis and management of cancers and blood disorders. “No two lymphoma cases are exactly alike. Identifying the specific subtype guides everything from how aggressively we treat it to which therapies will be most effective,” Dr. Varner says.

Lymphoma Treatment Options

  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy targets rapidly growing lymphoma cells to help control the disease.
  • Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is used alone or in combination with chemotherapy to target specific areas of the body affected by lymphoma.
  • Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: These treatments provide focused approaches that help the immune system fight cancer or disrupt the growth of cancer cells.
  • Combination therapies: Combination therapies use multiple treatment approaches together to provide the most effective care for patients.

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which are part of the immune system and found in the bone marrow. It affects the production of normal blood cells and the function of the immune system.

Unlike some other cancers, multiple myeloma is typically managed over time with a series of treatments that may change as the disease evolves. “Multiple myeloma is often treated as a chronic condition. The goal is to control the disease, adjust treatment when needed and help patients maintain their quality of life over the course of care,” John S. “Bo” Hrom, MD, FACP, a hematology and oncology physician with Hattiesburg Clinic, explains.

Multiple Myeloma Treatment Options

  • Chemotherapy and targeted therapy: Chemotherapy and targeted therapy work to kill or slow the growth of myeloma cells.
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and attack myeloma cells.
  • Stem cell transplant: Stem cell transplants may be recommended to replace diseased cells with healthy ones.
  • Supportive care: Supportive care focuses on overall health and on managing complications associated with multiple myeloma.

Why Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

Patients at Hattiesburg Clinic benefit from a team of hematology and oncology specialists who provide personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs. From diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, patients receive comprehensive support that addresses both the disease and overall well-being. The clinic offers access to the latest therapies and clinical trials, ensuring patients can receive advanced treatment options close to home. Every patient’s care plan is designed to balance effective treatment with quality of life, helping patients maintain daily routines and independence whenever possible.

Specialists at Hattiesburg Clinic coordinate care across disciplines, making sure patients have consistent guidance, clear communication and easy access to resources throughout their treatment journey.

With attentive care, advanced treatments and a team dedicated to patient-centered support, Hattiesburg Clinic helps patients navigate blood cancer care with confidence and comfort. To learn more about the hematology services provided at Hattiesburg Clinic, click here.

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About Hattiesburg Clinic Hematology/Oncology:

Hattiesburg Clinic Hematology/Oncology offers a coordinated approach to the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of disorders of the blood and cancer in adults. Cancer treatments available include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and immunotherapy.

Additionally, Hattiesburg Clinic is also interested and active in seeking trials to accomplish cancer prevention. Our physicians have been active in hematology/oncology research for over 20 years and are committed to improving care and outcomes for our hematologic and oncologic patients.

About Hattiesburg Clinic:

Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.