Health News
Blood Health Q3 2023
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Cellular immunotherapy approaches that are showing promise in research labs
Recent research shows that our own immune system may be used to fight cancer. This approach, immunotherapy, can be tailored to patients and is capable of adapting; as the cancer changes, the immune cells can adapt. Chemotherapy is the mainstream treatment for many blood cancers. Despite its efficacy in eliminating the bulk of the cancer,...
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Bispecific antibodies: a new tool in fighting blood cancers
Patients with difficult-to-treat blood cancers that are not responding to first-line therapies are starting to benefit from new targeted treatments. Some patients suffering from certain types of blood cancer find their disease progressing even after multiple lines of therapy. Patients who go through the intense toxic effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy may find...
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What it’s like to live with PNH — and how to make treatment more accessible
Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, life-threatening blood disorder affecting young patients with an average age of 40 years at diagnosis. Men and women are equally affected. There are over 50 patients living with PNH in Ireland. Patients can present with severe fatigue related to anaemia (low haemoglobin), infections or bleeding symptoms caused by...
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New approved therapies and clinical trials for the treatment of haemophilia
Innovation in haemophilia treatment has increased exponentially in recent years with new approaches, new therapies and several ongoing clinical trials. Since the 1970s, the standard therapies for haemophilia were intravenous injections of the missing clotting factor — factor VIII (FVIII) for haemophilia A and factor IX (FIX) for haemophilia B. These were typically infused two...
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Relapsed myeloma: treatment options and how to find the best one
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a blood cancer that affects the immune system, blood counts and bones and can lead to significant disability and distress for patients. Nearly all patients experience relapse, but there are treatment options that can help. Enormous advances have been made in the treatment of multiple myeloma, particularly in the past decade....
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How myeloma patients can live better lives with emerging treatments
Treatments for the blood cancer myeloma are emerging, with many at the final stages of clinical trials. Myeloma treatment aims to either bring patients into remission or manage its effects to improve their quality of life. Multiple myeloma is caused by abnormal cells called plasma cells. Currently, myeloma patients are continuously monitored and undergo treatment...
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Navigating complex care: role of advanced nurse practitioners in RRMM management
Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM) presents a multifaceted and challenging scenario for healthcare professionals involved in the care and management of these patients. The landscape of RRMM treatment is continually evolving, with emerging therapies and clinical trials offering great hope to patients. However, they also come with specific individualised side effects and management concerns. Guidance...
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Clinical trials in Ireland offer hope to improve lives of cancer patients
Regulated clinical cancer trials in Ireland have contributed to advances in blood cancers. They have promoted patient access, awareness and involvement. Clinical trials have helped over 33,500 patients since the year 2000. Current cancer treatments are approved with evidence-based data from many clinical trials. Clinical trials in Ireland are highly regulated by Health Products Regulatory...