What We Offer You for Leukemia and Hematology Care
- Specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating leukemia, multiple myeloma, and noncancerous blood disorders such as anemia, hemophilia, and thrombosis. Go to Conditions Treated
- Advanced treatment options, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, that can precisely destroy cancer cells without harming other, healthy cells. Go to Treatments
- Team-based approach from a multispecialty group of hematologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists, working together to personalize your care. Go to Your Care Team
- Clinical trials that offer eligible patients access to the latest advances in diagnosing and treating leukemia and multiple myeloma. Go to Clinical Trials
- Comprehensive support services to help you and your family focus on health and healing. Go to Supportive Services
- Ease of access to complete care at two Palo Alto locations and through virtual appointments. Go to Accessing Care
The Hematology Program treats blood cancers and other conditions of the blood. Most blood cells develop in the bone marrow, the spongy area in the center of bones. Parts of the blood include:
- Red blood cells that carry oxygen
- White blood cells that help fight infections
- Platelets that aid in clotting
- Plasma, the liquid part of blood that carries blood cells
Hematologic conditions include problems with blood cells, bone marrow, or molecules in the plasma that control bleeding and clotting. Blood cancers occur when certain blood cells grow out of control.
Cancers and other blood conditions are complex and require a skilled team with the training and expertise to accurately diagnose and treat them. At Stanford Health Care, our blood cancer specialists have decades of experience caring for people with all types of blood cancers and disorders.
Through participation in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), our hematologists help develop the national treatment guidelines for hematologic cancers.
Leukemia usually occurs in white blood cells in the bone marrow, often spreading to the blood. There are several types of leukemia:
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (Waldenström's) is a rare white blood cell cancer. It is a slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Waldenström's mostly forms in the bone marrow and can slow the growth of normal blood cells, which can lead to anemia and a weakened immune system.
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer in which white blood cells called plasma cells collect in the bone marrow.
Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of blood cancers that cause immature blood cells to build up in the bone marrow leading to a shortage of mature blood cells. Some people with MDS go on to develop AML.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms are rare blood cancers that cause an overproduction of red blood cells, platelets or white blood cells. MPNs can also turn into AML.
Noncancerous hematologic conditions affect your blood’s ability to function properly. You may have too few or abnormal blood cells, blood clots or excessive bleeding. We treat the full range of rare and common noncancerous blood conditions, including:
- Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia
- Blood disorders in pregnancy, such as iron deficiency anemia
- Clotting disorders, such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
- Red blood cell disorders, such as sickle cell disease (SCD)
- Platelet disorders, such as thrombocytopenia
Leukemia is the most common form of cancer in children. It affects approximately 3,000 children each year in the United States, accounting for about 30% of childhood cancers. We offer specialized treatment for children with leukemia at Stanford Children’s Health.
Our experienced team brings together specialists from hematology, oncology, pathology, and radiology. They collaborate closely to provide customized care throughout diagnosis, treatment, and follow up.
INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS
- We are the only cancer center in Northern California to offer CAR T-cell therapy for some people with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma. CAR T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy in which doctors engineer your own immune cells to fight cancer.
- Our researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries about the role of stem cells in the development of leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.
- We are actively researching blood clotting and thrombosis in people with COVID-19 and developing treatment protocols to improve patient outcomes.
Our specialists diagnose blood disorders by examining the blood and bone marrow. Our hematologists and pathologists have specialized training in identifying the many types of blood cancers and disorders. We use the latest diagnostic tools, such as immunophenotyping, which uses antibodies that stick to certain cells to diagnose leukemia and multiple myeloma.
If you already have a diagnosis, our team will review your test results. We may recommend further testing to confirm your diagnosis and determine the next steps for your care.
The tests we use to diagnose leukemia, multiple myeloma, and benign blood disorders include:
- Blood and urine tests: These lab tests provide information about the condition and your overall health. An important blood test to diagnose hematologic conditions is a complete blood count (CBC). This test measures the size, number, and maturity of your blood cells.
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: This is a small sample of bone marrow that a pathologist looks at under a microscope to diagnose blood diseases and cancers. Your doctor inserts a needle into your hip bone or breastbone and draws a small amount of fluid from your bone marrow. They may also take a core biopsy using a hollow needle to collect a sample of the more solid bone marrow tissue.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): In this test, your doctor collects a small amount of fluid from around your spinal cord using a needle. This test shows if blood cancer has spread to the brain or spine.
- Lymph node biopsy: This test can help diagnose some types of leukemia. Your doctor may remove all or part of a lymph node. Depending on its location, the procedure may involve a small incision or surgery under general anesthesia.
- Imaging: We may use imaging to help determine if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other organs. The types of imaging studies your doctor may use include X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, PET/CT scan, and lymphangiogram.
- Genetic testing: Some blood disorders and cancers can be inherited. If you are diagnosed with a blood condition, your doctor may recommend genetic testing. These tests can show whether you have genetic changes (mutations) that might increase your family’s risk of the condition.
Leukemia and Hematologic Condition Treatments
At Stanford Health Care, you receive an individualized treatment plan based on your condition and treatment goals. Your plan also includes any additional support you may need to complete your treatment.
Weekly meetings with collaborating specialists bring together care team members to review new leukemia and multiple myeloma cases. The care team considers all treatment options and works collaboratively to determine the best treatment approach.
Because blood cancers are not solid tumors, medication therapy is often the first treatment choice. Our medical oncologists have deep expertise in treating cancer using various types of oral or intravenous (IV) medications. Your treatment may include a combination of medication therapies with or without radiation therapy.
The types of cancer medications that we use to treat leukemia and multiple myeloma include:
- Chemotherapy, slows or stops the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells
- Immunotherapy, harnesses your own immune cells to destroy cancer cells
- Targeted therapy, binds to specific molecules on cancer cells and interferes with their growth or functioning
Stanford Medicine researchers are working every day to improve medication therapies for blood cancers. We’re known worldwide for innovations in immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Our work is reshaping what doctors consider standard treatments for blood cancer.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-ray beams to destroy cancer cells. In blood cancers, doctors use external radiation to treat:
- Bones affected by multiple myeloma
- Organs or tissues where cancer has spread beyond the blood and bone marrow
- The entire body before a bone marrow transplant
People with blood cancers can experience pain in their bones or pain caused by an enlarged spleen, liver, or lymph nodes. Radiation therapy can help reduce pain by destroying cancer cells or shrinking enlarged organs.
Blood and bone marrow transplant is a treatment for people with multiple myeloma, some types of leukemia, and other noncancerous blood disorders.
In a blood and bone marrow transplant, doctors use high doses of chemotherapy, sometimes with radiation, to destroy all bone marrow cells. You then receive replacement blood or bone marrow cells. Replacement cells can come from:
- A matched donor (allogeneic)
- Your own cells collected before high-dose chemotherapy (autologous)
Stanford Health Care has the largest blood and bone marrow transplant program in Northern California. We are also a national leader in transplant clinical trial research, receiving funding from the National Cancer Institute.
Some cancer cells have specific molecules called biomarkers. Our doctors use these biomarkers to choose chemotherapy and targeted therapy treatments that will be most effective. Our experienced cancer geneticists perform biomarker testing and work with your doctor to develop your treatment plan.
Noncancerous blood disorders cause a range of problems in the blood, so treatments vary widely. Depending on the condition, our doctors may use medications and other therapies to:
- Stimulate blood cell production
- Slow the destruction of blood cells
- Thin the blood
- Aid or prevent clotting
- Replace blood cells (transfusion)
- Protect bone marrow cells
As you and your family proceed through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care, your challenges and needs will change. That’s why we offer services that go beyond your physical health. Our Circle of Care approach provides emotional and spiritual care and other supports to help you feel your best.
Innovation Through Clinical Research
Some of Silicon Valley’s brightest scientific minds are at the Stanford Cancer Institute and the Stanford Medicine Cancer Center. Medical discoveries and clinical advances happen here. Our physicians and scientists work every day to improve cancer prevention, detection, and care. We offer advanced diagnostics, the latest treatment technologies and techniques, and pioneering therapies in development through clinical trials. Let us put innovation to work for you.
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
Your Circle of Care
A cancer diagnosis affects more than your physical well-being. It can disrupt your family life, work, social relationships, and your very sense of security. Our signature Circle of Care approach is here to guide you and your caregivers. We listen carefully to understand your unique situation and then we bring together experts including doctors, specialists, nurses, and care coordinators to create a plan just for you. With a team on your side and a wide range of support services, you receive a complete, coordinated experience. Learn what to expect and see how we put you at the center of care.
Our multispecialty teams work closely together to provide coordinated, individualized care. You receive care from experienced and dedicated blood cancer specialists, advanced practice providers, nurses, and staff.
Your Doctors
Hematologists
Hematologists specialize in treating disorders of the blood and bone marrow. These doctors have expertise in blood and bone marrow transplant.
View All {0} Hematologists »Hematologist-Oncologists
Hematologist-oncologists have special training in treating blood cancers such as leukemia and multiple myeloma.
View All {0} Hematologist-Oncologists »Radiation Oncologists
Radiation oncologists have specialized training in using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer or prevent its spread while protecting healthy tissue.
View All {0} Radiation Oncologists »Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
Our skilled nurse practitioners specialize in diagnosing and treating leukemia, multiple myeloma, and blood disorders. They see patients independently and occasionally alongside your doctor. APPs can give you a thorough exam, write prescriptions, and help prevent or treat any issues. Our APPs meet weekly to discuss patient needs.
View All Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) »Extended Care Team
Genetic Counselors
Some blood cancers have a genetic component. Our counselors from the Cancer Genetics Program can guide you through decision-making about genetic testing for you and your family.
Nurses and Nurse Coordinators (RNs)
Nurses and nurse coordinators are registered nurses who coordinate your care with your leukemia and hematology team. They guide you from your first contact through follow-up care and help you find counseling, financial, and other support services.
Care Coordinators
Care coordinators provide you with information and assistance before and during your appointment.
- Medical Assistant: Medical assistants work with our team to help provide care. They may prepare you for an examination, assist your doctor, or take your vital signs before your appointment.
- Patient Care Coordinator: Our patient care coordinators help you with scheduling appointments and accessing your lab results. They are your first line of contact before you see your provider and will guide you during your leukemia and hematology care.
- Patient Access Representative: Patient access representatives can answer your questions about health insurance coverage, help you apply for health insurance, and refer you to our financial counselors.
Research Coordinators
Doctors at Stanford Medicine Cancer Center participate in research efforts to advance the understanding of blood cancers and their treatment. Research coordinators help screen candidates for possible participation in clinical research trials.
Cancer Care Services
Your cancer care includes services that focus on easing the effects that cancer and its treatment may have on you. Our support programs are available to you throughout your diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Contact our Cancer Care Services for your personalized support plan.
We make access to care as simple as possible. We anticipate what you need and provide support when you need it. Our network of locations puts our services within your reach. User-friendly digital health tools help you stay connected with your care team. We accept most insurance plans and offer discounted transportation, short-stay options, and international travel and translation services. We help make sense of the details, so you can make decisions that are right for you.
Supportive care for leukemia and hematologic conditions is accessible and convenient at Stanford Health Care. Our scheduling staff can help coordinate your appointments. If needed, we’ll make sure you can see multiple providers during a single trip.
For Referring Physicians
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referral Information.
You may also submit a web referral or complete a referral form and fax it to 650-320-9443 or email the Referral Center at ReferralCenter@stanfordhealthcare.org.