Supportive and other treatments

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 (EPO) is a type of protein called a growth factor. It is used to treat anaemia due to cancer or its treatment.

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 increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. It is used to help with some side effects of cancer treatment.

A nephrostomy is a tube that drains urine from the kidney if there is a blockage in the urinary system.

PDT uses light sources and a light-sensitive drug to destroy cancer cells. It’s used for some cancers and some pre-cancerous conditions.

Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) is a treatment to help relieve symptoms of myeloma and a type of lymphoma called Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.

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.

RFA is a treatment that uses heat to destroy cancer cells. It is mainly used for cancer of the liver, lung, or kidney. It may sometimes be used to treat other cancers.

Steroids can be used as part of cancer treatment, or to help with the side effects of treatment.

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.