Hematological cancers
Hematological cancers
General information
Some blood cancers may require radiation therapy:
- Lymphomas: Cancer of the immune cells that can affect the lymph nodes, central nervous system, bone marrow, or any other organ.
- Myelomas: Malignant proliferation in the bone marrow of plasma cells that produce antibodies
Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other lymphoid tissues. Its main function is to fight infection and contribute to the body's immune defense. There are two main forms of lymphoma: Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), which affects young adults, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), which is more common in older adults over the age of 60.
Myeloma is the most common form of hematological cancer. Multiple myeloma affects the bone marrow, where blood cells, namely red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, are produced. More specifically, multiple myeloma develops at the expense of a particular type of white blood cell called plasma cells. These cells produce antibodies to fight infection and disease. Due to a malfunction in the immune system, these plasma cells become malignant and multiply excessively.
Plasmacytoma is a localized form of myeloma.
Clinical signs
The main symptoms of lymphoma are enlarged lymph nodes, most commonly in the neck and armpits. This swelling of the lymph nodes can cause pain, edema, and even breathing difficulties. Extreme fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and unexplained fever may also be observed.
The most specific symptoms of myeloma are bone pain and fragility. Symptoms of fatigue, anemia, elevated calcium levels, and kidney failure are also indicative of this cancer.
Treatment of hematological cancers at the CFB
Several treatments and combinations of treatments are available at the CFB for the treatment of lymphomas and myelomas.
Radiotherapy is generally recommended in addition to chemotherapy for classic Hodgkin's lymphoma, certain localized non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and plasmacytomas.
The principle for lymphomas is to irradiate only the lymph nodes initially affected. For plasmacytomas, the tumor area is irradiated.
External radiotherapy
This treatment uses X-rays directed through the skin to the area to be treated. These rays are produced by a linear accelerator and gradually destroy the cancer cells.
Your treatment will begin with a scanning session (called virtual simulation) to identify the areas to be treated (target volumes) and the healthy organs around them that must be preserved as much as possible.
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs (taking into account your specific characteristics and those of your disease) and scheduled over several weeks. Sessions take place from Monday to Friday and last approximately 15 minutes.
The radiation is invisible and painless and does not make you radioactive.
Side effects during treatment
Side effects are predictable but not systematic; each situation is unique and each patient reacts differently. We invite patients to report any adverse effects to their referring physician at the CFB during weekly follow-up consultations. Nowadays, the most common acute side effects are very well managed with symptomatic treatments. These will be prescribed by your radiation oncologist if necessary.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a common side effect but is not necessarily caused by the treatment. It is often due to the daily repetition of the treatment. It is also sometimes a side effect of chemotherapy.
- Nausea and diarrhea may occur in cases of abdominal radiation.
Side effects after treatment
The effects observed during treatment generally fade a few months after the end of treatment. Some signs may appear after several months or years; these are known as "late effects." In rare cases, they may be related to the treatments received. We encourage you to report any side effects, even late ones, to your radiation oncologist.
- Risk of radiation-induced cancer in the decades following treatment
- Heart failure
- Coronary artery stenosis
- Hypothyroidism