Bayhealth Cancer Care Specialists: Hematology-Oncology Explained

Being diagnosed with blood cancer can feel emotional, confusing and overwhelming. Suddenly, you're faced with unfamiliar medical terms, new specialists and a whirlwind of decisions about tests, treatments and next steps. Bayhealth’s Kathrina Chua, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist, provides some key basics around navigating cancer specialists to help you understand what to expect and how to take the first steps with confidence.

What is a Hematologist/Oncologist?

The good news is that blood cancers are relatively rare. However, when they do occur, receiving care from a specialist is crucial. Most patients diagnosed with a blood cancer choose to work with a hematologist/oncologist because they have in-depth knowledge of these specific diseases and the latest treatment options. A hematologist/oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating both solid tumors and blood-related cancers. These experts combine two important fields of medicine:

• Hematology: the study and treatment of blood and blood disorders
• Oncology: the study and treatment of cancer

Hematologists-oncologists are uniquely qualified to treat a wide range of conditions, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as non-cancerous (benign) blood disorders like anemia, clotting problems, and platelet issues.

Even when another physician is involved in your care — such as a primary care doctor or general oncologist — they often partner with a hematology/oncology specialist to ensure you receive the most informed, effective treatment possible.

What Treatments do these Specialists Provide?

Treatment plans vary depending on whether the condition is cancerous or benign (non-cancerous). For benign blood disorders — like anemia, clotting disorders, or vitamin deficiencies — treatment might include:

• Vitamin or iron supplements
• Blood transfusions
• Medications to manage symptoms or correct deficiencies

For blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma, your hematologist-oncologist may recommend one or a combination of the following treatments:

• Chemotherapy – Uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells
• Immunotherapy – Boosts your body’s natural defenses to fight the cancer
• Targeted therapy – Focuses on specific cancer cell mechanisms
• Hormonal therapy – Used for cancers influenced by hormones (less common in blood cancers)
• CAR T-cell therapy – A cutting-edge approach that modifies your immune cells to attack cancer
• Bone marrow transplant – Replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells

Healing and Support

A diagnosis of a blood disorder or blood cancer can be life-changing — but you're not alone. Advances in treatment have dramatically improved outcomes, and many patients go on to live full, healthy lives after treatment. Our team at Bayhealth Cancer Institute is here to support you with expert care, but also support, guidance, and hope. From your first visit through every step of care, you can count on us to walk beside you with knowledge, compassion, and hope.

Learn more at Bayhealth.org/Cancer for more information.