Haematology: specific issues
Appropriate use of red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate; what to do in the weeks after a new haematological cancer diagnosis; adolescents and transition; the MDT; palliative care in blood cancers; Jehovah's Witness patients and other cultural needs; social and financial barriers; and complementary medicines that interact with treatment.
Tier 2Topic overview
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- Blood is a drug. Give the smallest dose that treats symptoms: one red cell unit, then reassess. Fix iron deficiency first.
- A new blood cancer diagnosis triggers a list of things to do within days: fertility, dental, infection screening, distress screening, finances and a named care coordinator.
- Adolescents and young adults need age-appropriate services, a planned transition, and attention to consent, adherence and contraception.
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Sources
- Patient Blood Management Guidelines: Module 3 Medical (archived as a historical reference)AU/NZNational Blood Authority, 2012
- A no-prophylaxis platelet-transfusion strategy for hematologic cancers (TOPPS)Stanworth SJ et al., N Engl J Med 2013;368:1771-80, 2013
- Platelet transfusion before CVC placement in patients with thrombocytopenia (PACER)van Baarle FLF et al., N Engl J Med 2023;388:1956-65, 2023
- COSA guidelines for the psychosocial management of adolescents and young adults with cancerAU/NZClinical Oncology Society of Australia, 2025
- Optimal care pathways (including acute myeloid leukaemia, myeloma, lymphomas, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer)AU/NZCancer Council Australia and Cancer Australia
- Australian Cancer PlanAU/NZCancer Australia, 2023
- Therapeutic Guidelines: Palliative CareAU/NZTherapeutic Guidelines Ltd
- Hunter and New England Area Health Service v A [2009] NSWSC 761AU/NZSupreme Court of New South Wales, 2009
- X v Sydney Children's Hospitals Network [2013] NSWCA 320AU/NZNSW Court of Appeal, 2013
- PBS patient co-payments and safety net thresholdsAU/NZPharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, 2026
- Medicare Benefits Schedule item 871 (multidisciplinary cancer case conference)AU/NZAustralian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- Use of alternative medicine for cancer and its impact on survivalJohnson SB et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 2018;110:121-4, 2018
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Personal emails, About story and Australian-style copy