Blood Cancers
State-of-the-Art Blood Cancer Care
Unmatched Blood Cancer Care in Cleveland
Recognizing the signs of the three types of blood cancers—leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma—is important to catching and treating blood cancers early. At MetroHealth, we make cutting-edge treatment—developed by researchers right here at MetroHealth—accessible to every person in our community.
Recognize blood cancer symptoms
Recognizing symptoms early is key to treating blood cancers successfully.
Common symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Excessive sweating at night
- Persistent fever
- Poor appetite
- Abnormal bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infections
- Fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your primary care provider about testing for blood cancer with blood work.
MetroHealth treats all blood cancers.
The three main types of blood cancers include:
Leukemias
Cancer found in blood and bone marrow, caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells.
Lymphomas
Cancer developing in the lymphatic system, caused by the abnormal growth of white blood cells called lymphocytes that collect in lymph nodes and other tissues, impacting the immune system over time.
Multiple Myeloma
Cancer of the plasma cells that prevent the normal production of antibodies, leading to a weakened immune system and increased danger of infection.
Identifying blood cancer
If your provider suspects that you have blood cancer, the MetroHealth Cancer Institute offers several screening options to identify if you have cancer, what type of cancer, and the stage of cancer.
Screenings may include:
- Complete blood counts/blood work
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Physical examination of the spleen, liver, and/or lymph nodes
- Imaging, including chest x-rays, CT scan, PET scan
- Surgical lymph node removal to determine cancer stage
Personalized Blood Cancer Treatment
If you are diagnosed with blood cancer, our team will work together to discuss your cancer and how to move forward with treatment.
Your personalized treatment plan will depend on the stage and type of blood cancer.
Treatments may include:
- Radiation
- Bone marrow transplantation
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy to help your immune system recognize and fight cancer
- Stem Cell Transplantation
- CAR T-Cell Therapy
Cellular Immunotherapy
Advancing Cancer Treatment For All
MetroHealth’s Cellular Immunotherapy and Transplant Program uses cutting-edge cancer therapies to fight certain blood cancers. And, true to MetroHealth’s health equity mission, we’re making these advanced therapies available to every person.
Vector and Cellular Facility
We’re enabling quick and reliable production of the latest cellular immunotherapies, including CAR-T and TIL.
Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit
The lifesaving transplant services you need are right here at MetroHealth.
Recovering from Blood Cancer
At MetroHealth, you’ll receive care from our oncology team, recognized by the American College of Surgeons for the highest possible level of training and expertise.
With You Every Step
MetroHealth cares for you on every step of your journey:
- You’ll benefit from integrated behavioral health services every step of the way, because mental health plays a vital role in well-being.
- We partner with American Cancer Society, The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and other community organizations to provide support, resources, and care for patients and families.
Social Workers Available
MetroHealth provides a social worker to help patients navigate their cancer journey and connect with resources. Call 216-778-8204 to connect with a social worker.
The Gathering Place
MetroHealth partners with The Gathering Place to provide individual, group, and family support services, including nutrition and exercise programs, the Regina Brett Wig Salon, special programs, and legal or financial consultation.
Advancing therapies. Advancing equity.
Through MetroHealth’s Cellular Immunotherapy and Transplant Program, we’re bringing lifesaving care and cutting-edge therapies to every person.
Typically, programs like our Vector and Cellular Facility and our Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit exist only at top, for-profit hospital systems. MetroHealth is the first public safety net hospital in the United States to offer in-house viral vector and cellular production for a wide spectrum of medical treatments.
For people with blood cancer, that means unprecedented access to CAR-T therapy and TIL therapy, immunotherapies that can help fight blood cancer.
Learn more about our Cellular Immunotherapy and Transplant Program here.
Advancing Care Through Research
At MetroHealth, every oncologist participates in research, bringing advances in cancer care directly to your bedside. We address health disparities by enrolling people from minority populations in clinical trials at more than 4 times the national average.
For more information about our studies, or to enroll in a study that might be right for you, contact our oncology team at 216-77-TREAT.
A Team Dedicated to You
The MetroHealth Cancer Institute team is setting a new standard of cancer care in northeast Ohio. MetroHealth offers unmatched, state-of-the-art, and personalized cancer care.
