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USA: Hematology

In the USA, leukaemia is usually treated by a haematologist-oncologist, a doctor trained in both blood disorders and cancer.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, silhouettes in a circle.
Figure 1.The team — USA: Hematology

01Short answer

The team includes the haematologist-oncologist, oncology nurses, a “nurse navigator” (a nurse who guides you along the way), a pharmacist, a social worker and a dietitian. Many centres discuss complex cases at a multidisciplinary meeting called a “tumor board”. Treatment is usually based on NCCN guidelines; ASH is the main scientific society for haematology.

02Simple explanation

Haematologist-oncologist: your main doctor.

Nurse navigator: your guide.

NCCN: guidelines.

03Scientific explanation

Guidelines: NCCN guidelines are evidence-based and have a plain version for patients.

Scientific society: ASH educates haematologists and provides patient information.

04What happens in the body?

The team

Ask about each specialist’s role; write down whom to call and when.

Guidelines

You can ask which guidelines your plan is based on.

On a dark navy background, a glowing book.
Figure 2.Guidelines — USA: Hematology

Team discussion

For complex cases, several specialists decide together.

Tumor board
Figure 3.Tumor board — USA: Hematology

05Working with your haematologist

Four steps.

Appointment — With the haematologist-oncologist.1AppointmentWith the haematologist-oncologist.
Guidelines — Ask about NCCN.2GuidelinesAsk about NCCN.
Discussion — Tumor board.3DiscussionTumor board.
Follow-up — Next visits.4Follow-upNext visits.
A clear planTreatment is well founded.
TeamYou know whom to contact.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
The teamAsk about each specialist’s role; write down whom to call and when.
GuidelinesYou can ask which guidelines your plan is based on.
Team discussionFor complex cases, several specialists decide together.

07Key terms

Hem/Onc
Haematology-oncology.
Nurse navigator
A guiding nurse.
Tumor board
Multidisciplinary meeting.
NCCN Guidelines
National treatment guidelines.

08Key points

  • Write down team names.
  • Save the 24-hour number.
  • Ask about guidelines.
  • Meet the social worker.
  • Bring someone to appointments.

09Frequently asked questions

Are haematologists and oncologists different?

In leukaemia, a haematologist-oncologist with both specialties usually treats you.

What does a nurse navigator do?

Helps coordinate visits, tests and your questions.

Where can I find the NCCN guide?

On nccn.org, with free registration.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Are haematologists and oncologists different?

  2. What does a nurse navigator do?

  3. Where can I find the NCCN guide?

My questions

12Sources

  1. American Society of Hematology (ASH). Official website
  2. American Society of Hematology (ASH). Information for patients
  3. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). NCCN Guidelines for Patients
  4. Cancer.Net (ASCO). The Oncology Team
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI-Designated Cancer Centers
  6. Clínica Universidad de Navarra. International patients
  7. Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital. Onco-haematology therapies (in Italian)
  8. IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele. Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation (in Italian)
  9. AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis. Hematology and bone marrow transplant department (in French)
  10. Institut Paoli-Calmettes. Acute myeloid leukemia (in French)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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