Supportive and other treatments

Other treatments can be used as part of the main cancer treatment and to treat side effects.
Blood transfusions
Some cancers or cancer treatments can cause anaemia, which is a low number of red blood cells. Blood transfusions are used to treat anaemia.
Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin is a type of protein called a growth factor. It is used to treat a low number of red blood cells (anaemia) due to cancer or its treatment.
G-CSF
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a type of drug called a growth factor. This helps your body make more white blood cells.
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO) increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. It is used to help with some side effects of cancer treatment.
Nephrostomy

A nephrostomy lets urine drain from the kidney if there is a blockage in the urinary system.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
PDT uses light sources and a light-sensitive drug to destroy cancer cells. It is used for some cancers and some pre-cancerous conditions.
Plasma exchange
Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) is a treatment to help relieve symptoms of myeloma and a type of lymphoma called Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.
Platelet transfusions
Platelets are cells that help to stop bleeding. Some cancers or cancer treatments can lead to low platelets and you may need a platelet transfusion.
Radiofrequency ablation

Thermal ablation uses extreme temperatures (thermal) to destroy (ablate) cancer cells.
Steroids
Steroids can be used as part of cancer treatment, or to help with the side effects of treatment.
Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are drugs that in certain situations can help to protect your bones against some of the effects of cancer, such as pain and weakness.

How we can help

Macmillan Cancer Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, we'll listen.
0808 808 00 00
7 days a week, 8am - 8pm
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Online Community
An anonymous network of people affected by cancer which is free to join. Share experiences, ask questions and talk to people who understand.
Help in your area
What's going on near you? Find out about support groups, where to get information and how to get involved with Macmillan where you live.