Your Source for the Most Advanced Blood Cancer Treatment
Blood cancers, also known as hematologic malignancies, affect bone marrow, lymph nodes, blood cells and the lymphatic system, which all play very important roles in our health. The most commonly known blood cancers include:
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
- Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Myelodysplasia
From diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, the blood cancer specialists at RWJBarnabas Health combine exceptional expertise and skill with advanced therapies to treat benign and malignant blood disorders, close to home.
To contact one of New Jersey’s best blood cancer specialists call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
State-of-the-Art Blood Cancer Treatment
Together with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we offer access to the full spectrum of therapeutic procedures and advanced treatment options including:
- Chemotherapy
- Precision medicine/targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Blood and marrow transplantation/stem cell transplant (autologous and allogeneic transplants)
- Radiation therapy
- Cellular therapies/CAR T-cell therapies
- Clinical trials
We offer a variety of cellular therapies, many of which are not available elsewhere. CAR T-cell therapy, for example, is currently only offered at centers that perform stem cell transplants, have specially trained clinicians and health care personnel, and are certified by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).
New Jersey’s Largest Network of Cancer Specialists
Our integrated cancer care model includes New Jersey’s largest network of cancer specialists, comprised of:
- Nationally and internationally recognized hematologists/oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Advanced practice nurses and certified technicians with advanced credentials in cancer specialty care with expertise in blood cancers
- Nurse navigators
- Nutrition experts
- Oncology support professionals
Find Blood Cancer DoctorS Near You
Our Oncology Nurse Navigators Will Guide You Through Your Cancer or Blood Disorder Journey
Our oncology nurse navigators help patients through the entire cancer or blood disorder journey, from securing initial appointments to coordinating follow-up visits related to treatments and procedures, all the way through aspects of survivorship. We identify and address any barriers to quality care and ensure seamless coordination of services between all members of the health care team, even if they are at different locations across the health system.
Oncology nurse navigators also help with referrals to social workers or financial counselors for matters about health insurance, financial and other challenges, and cancer prevention – including cancer screenings.
New patients seeking cancer care at Rutgers Cancer Institute or RWJBarnabas Health can call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376 to be connected to an oncology nurse navigator.
About Blood Cancer
In healthy people, new white blood cells, which fight infections, are constantly produced to replace old, dying ones. In individuals with blood cancer, however, cells are produced excessively or abnormally. There are three main types of blood cancers:
- Leukemia. Cancer produces white blood cells that cannot fight infection.
- Lymphoma. Cancer starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes.
- Myeloma. Cancer of the plasma cells, which are carriers for blood cells and nutrients.
Causes of Blood Cancer
Blood cancer is cancer that starts in the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. The specific causes of blood cancer are unknown. However, several factors are associated with its development, including:
- Age. Blood cancer is usually more common in older adults.
- Genetics. Some blood cancers run in families.
- Infections. Certain infections and a weak immune system may increase the risk of blood cancer.
Blood Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of blood cancer may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
- A low red blood cell count (anemia)
It is important to speak to your health care provider if you have any of the above symptoms.
Learn More About Common Types of Blood Cancer
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), also known as acute lymphobastic leukemia, is a form of blood cancer that can occur suddenly and progress very quickly.
- Acute myelogenous leukemia. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that develops in bone marrow cells. This type of cancer grows fast and needs to be treated quickly.
- Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most common blood cancers. The symptoms and treatment may be different than those associated with other lymphomas, like non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that occurs when lymphocytes grow abnormally and create tumors.
- Multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells known as plasma cells.
- Myelodysplasia. Myelodysplasia is caused by impaired blood cells or insufficient production in the bone marrow.
Blood Cancer Clinical Trials
Clinical trials study whether a treatment will be effective in treating certain blood cancers. Through these clinical trials, researchers seek to make new advancements in blood cancer treatment options. Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to participate in new treatment options that are not widely available. Talk with your RWJBarnabas Health provider if you are interested in participating in a clinical trial.
View Blood Cancer Clinical Trials
Why Is CAR T-Cell Therapy So Exciting?
Answers From an Expert
To contact one of New Jersey’s best blood cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ or
844-226-2376.
EBC Radio Interview About Blood Cancers
Listen as Mansi R. Shah, MD, discusses blood disorders on EBC Radio.
Listen as Rajat Bannerji, MD, PhD, Chief of Hematologic Malignancies at Rutgers Cancer institute of New Jersey speaks with EBC Radio about blood cancers.
