 How Platelets Help Cancer Patients
By Marek Bozdech, M.D.
Board Certified Medical Oncologist
Redwood Regional Medical Group, Santa Rosa, CA
Patients with cancer, especially when it involves the bone marrow, such as in multiple myeloma or leukemia, may need platelet transfusions at the outset because their bone marrows are infiltrated with abnormal cells, and they are simply unable to produce platelets. Once treatment is underway, the bone marrow is likely to improve and then function normally once the disease is in remission or under control.
However, in the interim, there is always a lag time between the start of treatment and the expected response. This lag is due to the time it takes for the bone marrow (where all blood components are made) to recover and begin normal function. During this time patients are vulnerable to infection because of low white blood cell numbers, can be very fatigued because of low numbers of red blood cells, and have bleeding or bruising due to low platelets.
The ability to provide platelet and red blood cell transfusions is the only way patients with these types of illnesses can be successfully treated. Without transfusions of RBCs and platelets, patients would suffer and could die suddenly due to catastrophic bleeding. Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation could not have been possible without modern blood product support. Many other patients with cancer may also occasionally become deficient in platelets because of chemotherapy, and again transfusions are needed to safely get them through.
Apheresis is a unique type of blood donation that allows a donor to give specific blood components: red blood cells, platelets or plasma. During the donation process whole blood is drawn and separated. The components not being used are returned to the donor in the same vein. |
