Blood cancer care designed around you.
At St. Luke's Blood Cancer Center of Excellence, we believe the best care starts with a strong partnership. From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, our team is here to guide, support, and care for you every step of the way. Our specialists treat blood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. These conditions often require ongoing treatment and monitoring, and our team is committed to providing coordinated, personalized care every step of the way. We understand that for many patients, this is not a single moment—but a journey. Our goal is to provide expert care, continuity, and support for the long term.
Understanding blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma)
Blood cancers begin when abnormal blood cells in your bone marrow or lymphatic system start to grow out of control, crowding out normal blood cells. These cancers affect the production and function of your blood cells. The three main types of blood cancers are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. While a blood cancer diagnosis can be concerning, advancements in treatment have significantly improved outcomes, especially with early detection. Blood cancers can affect anyone, at any age. St. Luke’s expert hematologist-oncologists utilize advanced diagnostic tools, including comprehensive blood tests, to provide you with timely answers and personalized care.
Blood cancer symptoms and diagnosis at St. Luke's
Recognizing the signs of blood cancers is crucial for early detection. Symptoms can be subtle or develop over time, but potential signs may include:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent infections or fevers
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes (especially in the neck, armpits, or groin - common in lymphoma)
- Bone pain (common in myeloma)
- Shortness of breath
- Night sweats
If you notice any persistent or concerning symptoms, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider. At St. Luke's, diagnosing blood cancers may involve:
- Blood Tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC) to check levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Blood chemistry tests can assess organ function and detect abnormal proteins, such as those seen in myeloma. Specific blood tests can detect markers associated with certain cancers.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: A sample of bone marrow tissue and liquid is removed (usually from the hip bone) and examined for cancer cells. This is crucial for diagnosing leukemia and myeloma.
- Imaging Studies: CT, PET, or MRI scans may be used to check for enlarged lymph nodes, tumors, or bone damage, particularly for lymphoma and myeloma
- Physical Exam: Checking for swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen or liver, and signs of infection or bruising.
- Lymph Node Biopsy: If lymphoma is suspected, a sample of an enlarged lymph node is removed for examination.
Our goal is to provide clarity quickly and help you understand what comes next.
Types & staging of blood cancers
Blood cancers are broadly grouped into three main categories, with many subtypes within each. Understanding the specific type is key to treatment. The main types treated at St. Luke's include:
- Leukemia: Cancer of the blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow and the lymphatic system, leading to an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. Types include Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).
- Lymphoma: Cancer that begins in the cells of the lymph system (part of the immune system). The main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which has many subtypes.
- Myeloma (Multiple Myeloma): Cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow that produces antibodies. Abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) build up in the bone marrow and can damage bones.
Blood cancer staging: Staging for blood cancers differs from solid tumors. Leukemia is typically described by its type (acute vs. chronic, lymphocytic vs. myeloid) and cell characteristics rather than stages 0-IV. Lymphoma and Myeloma use staging systems (like Ann Arbor for lymphoma, International Staging System for myeloma) that consider factors like the location and spread of cancer cells, blood test results, and symptoms.
Our philosophy of care
From your first visit, your care is thoughtfully coordinated across a team that supports both treatment and ongoing management. Blood cancers are often treated over time, requiring close monitoring and adjustments along the way. Your care team may include medical oncologists, infusion specialists, nurse navigators, and supportive care providers working together to ensure continuity and consistency in your care. Your team becomes a trusted partner—helping guide decisions, monitor progress, and support you through each phase of care.
Expert, collaborative care for blood cancer
Multidisciplinary Case Conference Review
Your care team may review your case collaboratively to ensure your treatment plan reflects the most current information and best available options. This ongoing coordination supports:
- Thoughtful treatment decisions
- Timely adjustments to care
- Alignment across your care team
Meet Your Care Team
Your care may involve:
- Medical Oncologists / Hematologists: Lead diagnosis and treatment planning
- Infusion and Nursing Teams: Provide treatment and monitor your care closely
- Laboratory & Pathology Specialists: Support accurate diagnosis and monitoring
- Clinical Trials Team: Identify innovative treatment opportunities when available
Advanced blood cancer treatments
St. Luke's University Health Network offers a comprehensive range of advanced treatments for blood cancers tailored to your specific type, stage, genetics, and overall health. Our multidisciplinary team, including leading hematologist-oncologists, collaborates to create a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment options may include:
- Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It's a primary treatment for many leukemias and lymphomas.
- Immunotherapy: Treatments that harness the body's own immune system to fight cancer. Examples include stem cell transplants, monoclonal antibodies (like rituximab for lymphoma) and CAR T-cell therapy that are provided at the Fox Chase Cancer Center.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth. Examples include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for CML or proteasome inhibitors for myeloma.
- Observation or Active Surveillance: For certain blood cancers that are slow-growing or not causing symptoms, careful monitoring through regular exams, blood tests, and follow-up visits may be recommended before starting treatment.
Throughout your blood cancer treatment, the St. Luke's team provides comprehensive support, managing side effects and ensuring your comfort.
Cancer clinical trials
Clinical trials offer patients access to cutting-edge, innovative treatments and therapies that are not yet widely available and can help advance cancer research. Through St. Luke's Cancer Clinical Trials, patients will be monitored by our expert teams, as well as have the opportunity to contribute to future breakthroughs in cancer care. Eligibility can vary by trial and may depend on your diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. If you're eligible, you'll receive detailed information about the trial, including potential risks and benefits. Participation is always voluntary and your care team will support you every step of the way.
Infusion & Treatment Support
Role: Delivering therapy in a safe, supportive environment
Goal: Ensuring comfort and continuity during treatment
Palliative Care
Role: Provides relief from symptoms, pain, and side effects while supporting patients emotionally and physically during serious illness
Goal: To improve quality of life for patients and families at any stage of cancer by managing symptoms, reducing suffering, and offering supportive care alongside treatment
Oncology Social Work
Role: Emotional and practical support
Goal: Helping patients and families navigate long-term care
Nurse Navigation
Role: Coordinating appointments and care over time
Goal: Providing consistency and reducing uncertainty
Nutrition & Wellness Support
Role: Supporting strength and recovery
Goal: Maintaining overall health during treatment
Financial Advocates
Role: Helps patients understand the cost of care, assists with insurance coverage and authorizations, identifies financial assistance programs, and works to reduce out-of-pocket expenses
Goal: To minimize financial stress and ensure patients can access and complete their treatment
Frequently asked questions about blood cancer
The three main types are Leukemia (cancer of white blood cells/bone marrow), Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), and Myeloma (cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow).
Symptoms vary but often include persistent fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising/bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, bone pain, and unexplained weight loss.
Yes, blood tests are crucial for diagnosing many blood cancers like leukemia and myeloma. They can show abnormal numbers or types of blood cells. While blood tests can sometimes suggest other cancers, they are most definitive for blood-related malignancies.
Leukemia is the primary cancer characterized by a high count of abnormal white blood cells. Some infections or other conditions can also raise white blood cell counts.
Beat Cancer With Us…
At St. Luke’s, our cancer patients benefit from all of that, plus an unparalleled level of support and compassion. You are not alone we are with you every step of the way. Whether you are newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, we are here to help.
You can easily find a specialist near you and learn more about our Cancer Center locations to begin your care journey.
Call St. Luke’s HopeLine – one number for all your needs: 484-503-HOPE.