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Discover how advanced treatments are improving outcomes and enhancing quality of life.

Blood cancer arises when white blood cells multiply uncontrollably, overwhelming healthy cells in the bone marrow. The exact causes of these abnormalities are not fully understood, but risk factors may include genetic mutations and exposure to certain chemicals.

Unlike cancers such as colon or breast cancer, blood cancer lacks screening programmes. Common symptoms include low blood cell counts, bleeding, swollen lymph nodes, severe night sweats and fatigue. Early consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial, as early diagnosis can significantly improve survival rates.

The main types of blood cancer — leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma — each have various subtypes, which influence treatment strategies. These may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation, with the choice of treatment depending on factors like the patient’s age and overall health. Survival rates vary based on the specific type of blood cancer, its progression and how well the patient responds to treatment.

Despite being among the top 10 causes of cancer deaths in Singapore, advancements in treatment are offering hope. Treatments have become so advanced that for many, blood cancer can be managed as a chronic illness with minimal impact on quality of life.

Leukaemia: Tailored Therapies to Boost Recovery

Acute leukaemia can be cured with definitive treatment options. The rate of cure depends on the subtype of acute leukaemia. For some patients who are not fit to receive intensive curative treatment, advanced therapies can significantly extend life. For older patients who may not tolerate aggressive chemotherapy, milder chemotherapy combined with targeted therapies has shown to improve survival significantly. Treatment options are personalised, taking into account the patient’s specific cancer profile and overall condition.

Lymphoma: Striving for Complete Remission

Lymphoma is among the more treatable forms of cancer, with the goal often being complete remission, which is the absence of all signs of cancer. For indolent, or slow-growing, lymphomas, treatment is deferred until necessary. In contrast, aggressive lymphomas, like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), often require immediate intervention with innovative medications. These include antibody drug conjugates, a targeted therapy designed to inhibit cancer cell growth, which have demonstrated effective remission results in DLBCL cases.

Multiple Myeloma: Moving Towards a Potential Cure

Myeloma remains incurable; however, ongoing developments in immunotherapy, targeted therapy and cell therapy have changed its treatment landscape — from that of a cancer to a manageable chronic disease. Patients with multiple myeloma now experience prolonged periods of remission with a high quality of life, enabling them to continue their daily activities as usual.

These evolving treatment approaches reflect a dynamic field where ongoing research continually enhances the outlook for patients with blood cancer, underscoring the importance of specialist care in managing these complex diseases.