Malignant & Benign Blood Disorders
Many types of blood cancer
Leukemias, lymphomas and myelomas are among the most common blood cancer malignancies. But there are many others. This group includes cancers of the bone marrow, the blood itself and the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, lymphoid tissue of the digestive tract, tonsils, thymus gland and spleen. Leukemia and myeloma start in the bone marrow. Lymphoma starts in the lymphatic system. These are the two most common types of blood cancer.
Several immunotherapies are now used to treat these blood cell cancers, and many more are being studied. Blood cancer treatments have undergone substantial improvements in recent years, resulting in increased remission and survival rates. Remission means that there is no longer any sign of cancer in the patient. Today in the United States, almost 1 million people are alive with, or in remission from, blood cancer.
The specific cause of blood cancer is unknown. Yet, there are several factors associated with its development. Blood cancers are more common among older adults and some run in families. Some infections appear to increase the risk of some blood cancers, as does a weakened immune system. Other contributing factors include chemical and radiation exposures, family and personal history, genetic disorders and smoking.
Non-cancerous blood disorders
There are also many types of blood disorders that are not cancerous. These include, but are not limited to, anemia, elevated and decreased blood cells (white blood cells and platelets), blood clotting disorders (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), bleeding disorders and iron overload syndromes (specifically hemochromatosis).
For more information about blood cancers and other blood disorders, contact Northwest Oncology & Hematology: 847.870.4100 (Rolling Meadows office), 847.437.3312 (Elk Grove Village office), 847.885.4100 (Hoffman Estates office), 847.842.0180 (Barrington office) and 847.577.1023 (Elgin office). For your convenience, You can also fill out our online New Patient Appointment form to schedule your consultation with us.
Cancer Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is the newest form of cancer treatment. These are “designer drugs” that take advantage of the most unique properties found on some cancer cells. By specifically targeting something on the cancer cell that is not present on normal healthy cells, these drugs often provide the best chances for success with the least side effects. This is the area of cancer therapy that has changed the most over the past ten years. Currently, there are targeted therapies available for only a few types of cancer, but we expect many breakthroughs over the next several years.
Anti-angiogenesis therapy
Cancer drugs that block the ability of cancer cells to make blood vessels are among the most exciting drugs available to treat many forms of cancer. These drugs have been shown to dramatically increase survival in patients with some of the worst types of cancer. The doctors at Northwest Oncology & Hematology (NWOH) have expertise in prescribing these therapies, preventing side effects and treating side effects when they occur.
Immunotherapy
Did you know that your body’s own immune system can be used as a potent weapon in the fight against cancer? Monoclonal antibodies are the single most widely used type of immunotherapy. These drugs help our immune system to selectively kill cancer cells and may be used alone or with other forms of cancer treatment. Vaccine therapies that help stimulate our immune system are also being developed, and a vaccine treatment currently exists to treat advanced prostate cancer. The doctors at NWOH have expertise in all forms of immunotherapy and can answer questions about what forms of immunotherapy might be beneficial for you.
For more on cancer immunotherapy, contact Northwest Oncology & Hematology. You can reach us at 847.870.4100 (Rolling Meadows office), 847.437.3312 (Elk Grove Village office), 847.885.4100 (Hoffman Estates office), 847.842.0180 (Barrington office) and 847.577.1023 (Elgin office). For your convenience, you can also use our New Patient Appointment online form to schedule your consultation with us.
Request an Appointment Thanks
Thank you for your recent request for an appointment with Northwest Oncology & Hematology.
Please be aware that you have submitted a request only. Someone from our office will contact you within 24-48 business hours to confirm a date and time.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
The Staff at Northwest Oncology & Hematology
Steven J. Leibach, MD
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Board-Certified: Medical Oncology, American Board of Internal Medicine |
To schedule your appointment with Steven J. Leibach, MD, call Northwest Oncology & Hematology at 847.870.4100 (Rolling Meadows office), 847.437.3312 (Elk Grove Village office), 847.885.4100 (Hoffman Estates office), 847.842.0180 (Barrington office) and 847.577.1023 (Elgin office). You can also fill out our online Request an Appointment form to schedule your consultation.