The expert highlights warning signs, medical advances and talks about the hope brought by bone marrow donation
In the remake of Everything is fineshown by TV Globo, the character Alfonsoplayed by the actor Humberto Carraofaces leukemia and the search for a compatible bone marrow donor. Already Fabiana Giustodaughter of entrepreneur Roberto Justus, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and faced intense treatment until she found a compatible donor, who saved her life. His case reinforces the importance of early diagnosis, access to treatment and voluntary donor registration, bringing hope to thousands of families facing the same struggle.
The hematologist Daniela Rocha comments that leukemias are classified as acute or chronic, depending on the type of cell affected and the evolution of the disease. In acute leukemias, a proliferation of young cells, called blasts, occurs and the disease manifests rapidly, with pronounced symptoms, such as extreme tiredness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, bleeding of the mucous membranes or purplish spots on the skin. In chronic leukemia there is a proliferation of mature leukocytes, the evolution is slow, often with non-specific or absent symptoms.
The role of the bone marrow
According to the doctor, bone marrow transplant is essential to consolidate the treatment of some types of leukemia. He explains that it can be autologous, with the patient’s own cells, or allogeneic, with cells from a donor, and is intended to cure the disease.
As regards the transplant, the specialist explains that the decision depends on the genetic and molecular characteristics of the disease, identified through specific tests. “Patients at highest risk of recurrence require transplantation, while low-risk patients can be treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy alone,” he points out.
Compatibility and donation
According to the hematologist, the chance of finding a compatible donor outside the family is 1 in 100,000. In some cases he points out that it is possible to perform the transplant with a family donor who is at least 50% compatible.
Registering bone marrow donors in Brazil is simple. The doctor explains that all you need to do is look for an accredited blood transfusion center and provide a small blood sample. The person’s name goes to the National Register of Voluntary Bone Marrow Donors (Redome), managed by the National Cancer Institute (Inca) and linked to the Ministry of Health.
Challenges and progress
The hematologist emphasizes that the great challenge is to find a compatible donor within the ideal time, when the patient is in remission and ready to receive the transplant. “The improvement of genetic and molecular analyzes allows for more precise risk stratification, as well as the development of new targeted drugs, effective in the treatment of leukemia”, says the specialist asked about the disease and recent medical advances.
Awareness and humanization
The doctor underlines that publicizing the topic is essential to inform about the procedure, reinforce the importance of donation and demonstrate that the cure is possible. “Bone marrow donation is simple and only involves taking a blood sample. Even if many people are afraid due to lack of knowledge, it is a quick, safe and immeasurable gesture” he concludes.
Specialist
Daniela graduated in Medicine from the University of Santo Amaro (Unisa) in 2005, with residency in Clinical Medicine at the Professor Edmundo Vasconcelos Hospital Complex, in São Paulo. The doctor also specialized in hematology and hemotherapy at the Albert Einstein Hospital. In 2013, he expanded his training abroad by joining an observatory at the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA, where he continues to update his knowledge in lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia and palliative care. Furthermore, he holds the title of specialist granted by the Brazilian Association of Hematology and Hemotherapy (ABHH).
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
