As the only center of its kind in central Ohio, the OSUCCC – James HALT Clinic brings together a team of specialists from different medical disciplines to:
- Prevent blood-related (hematologic) disorders or detect them earlier for improved outcomes
- Provide comprehensive treatment to address the unique needs of those with a hematologic disorder
- Identify and provide personalized care for individuals or families with hereditary or acquired genetic changes that may elevate their risk of developing a blood cancer like leukemia.
Working closely together as a team, the nationally recognized experts at the HALT Clinic use innovative research paired with a robust evaluation model to design personalized treatment for benign (noncancerous) blood disorders.
What is a benign blood abnormality?
A benign blood abnormality is any noncancerous change in one or more components in your blood and how it functions. These components include:
- Red blood cells, which carry oxygen through your body
- White blood cells, which fight infection
- Platelets needed for clotting
- Plasma or the liquid portion of your blood
Blood abnormalities can be present from birth or develop later in life. They can occur for a variety of reasons, including hereditary disorders, nutrient deficiency, other diseases or even medication side effects. Among more familiar abnormalities are low blood counts, also known as cytopenias, or increased blood counts. Symptoms depend on the part or parts of your blood that are affected. As an example, if you have a low red blood count, you may feel exhausted, while high white cell counts may indicate infection, inflammation or disease.
Finding a cause of any blood abnormality is the first step in developing an effective treatment plan. Because certain benign blood disorders raise the risk of cancer, we may also recommend regular screening to catch cancers earlier and improve outcomes.
What are the risk factors for developing a blood abnormality?
Risk factors are anything that increase your chance of getting a disease. Having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop a blood disorder, either noncancerous or cancerous. However, it’s important to discuss the risks you do have with your doctor, especially if you have a family history of blood abnormalities or blood cancers.
There are dozens of benign hematologic disorders, with different risk factors for each. Although you may not be able to control or influence some risks, knowing them may help us decide the recommended screening tests or best care going forward.
General risk factors for blood abnormalities include:
- Age, especially those older than 50 years
- Family history of blood disorders or cancer
- Abnormal blood counts lasting six months or more
- Certain environmental exposures
- Anyone with a history of cancer, and treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy
Types of benign (noncancerous) blood disorders treated at the HALT Clinic include:
- Cytopenia (persistent) – persistently low red or white blood cell counts
- Hemophilia – an inherited blood clotting disorder
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome – a rare blood disorder that results when bone marrow fails to produce normal, healthy blood cells
- Sickle Cell Disease – an inherited blood disorder marked by sickle/crescent shaped red blood cells and delayed growth, pain, swelling and frequent infections
- Thrombocytopenia – abnormally low level of platelets
Prevention and early detection of blood disorders
Our ultimate goal is to prevent both noncancerous and cancerous blood diseases from ever developing or to detect them at the earliest stage when they’re most treatable.
Our experts are determined to move research forward to uncover why and how some people develop blood disorders and why some of those benign disorders raise the risk of developing a blood cancer.
Although all blood disorders can’t be prevented, we can provide innovative treatments to help with your symptoms and improve your overall health. If you’re at risk, talk with your doctor about scheduling an appointment at the clinic.
What to expect at the HALT Clinic
At the HALT Clinic, you'll receive thorough assessments, treatments and personalized follow-up care tailored to your individual needs.
A typical visit may include:
- A detailed family medical and health history assessment
- Genetics consultation and testing
- Determining any work-related or environmental exposures that could increase risk
- Blood work and other necessary tests
The HALT team of nationally and internationally recognized specialists and subspecialists work collaboratively with each other to create and conduct impactful, groundbreaking research that leads to novel therapeutics and therapeutic approaches — all designed to improve the lives of patients diagnosed with hematologic disorders that puts them at risk for not only developing leukemia, but also other diagnoses such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a blood disorder or would like to speak with a hematologic oncology specialist, please call 614-685-0050 to make an appointment. Telehealth options are also available.