MANAGEMENT OF HAEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES: AN OVERVIEW

Question 1

DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATIONS

Answer 1

Full blood count and differentials
Peripheral blood film
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
Cytochemistry
Immunophenotyping
Cytogenetics
Molecular Genetics

Question 2

SUPPORTIVE INVESTIGATIONS

Answer 2

Clotting profile (PT, APTT)
Serum U/E, Cr
Blood sugar
Liver function tests
Uric acid, Ca2+, Phosphate
Background viral serology (medico-legal implications)
Sepsis work up
Radiological evaluation (X-ray, USS, CT, PET scan)

Question 3

TREATMENT : SUPPORTIVE

Answer 3

Counselling
Reproductive issues
Nutritional support
Determine baseline performance status of patient
Insertion of a central venous catheter
Intravenous fluid administration
Blood and blood product support
Anti-infective agents (prophylaxis)
Anti-uric acid agents
Analgesics

Question 4

TREATMENT : Definitive

Answer 4

Combination cytotoxic chemotherapy
Radiation
Surgery – where applicable