Tests During Treatment

Blood cell counts

Blood cell counts measure the immune cells that defend your body. To test your blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, doctors test your red blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. The number of platelets, which help your blood form clots to prevent bleeding, can also be counted. The quantities of all of these important blood components can be reduced by cancer therapy, blood loss, and chronic illness.

The number of immune cells in the body can be significantly reduced by chemotherapy and, to a lesser extent, by localized radiation therapy. That's why the "count," or number, of these cells is checked before each chemotherapy cycle to make sure your body is able to tolerate the next dose of treatment.

Blood counts may also be checked during a course of radiation - particularly if the radiation is being given to a large area, or you've just had or are still having chemotherapy. When counts are low, transfusions of the various types of blood cells can be given. In addition, growth factors such as Procrit (chemical name: epoetin alfa), Epogen (chemical name: epoetin alfa), or Aranesp (chemical name: darbepoetin alfa) can increase red blood cell counts, and Neumega (chemical name: oprelvekin) can increase platelet counts. If your immune cell counts are significantly reduced, growth factors such as Neupogen (chemical name: filgrastim) may be given to boost your levels.

Blood chemistries

Blood chemistries evaluate liver function by measuring the levels of liver enzymes (special proteins involved in vital chemical reactions) and bilirubin (a substance that helps break down fat). Other blood chemistry levels are also important: Potassium, chloride, and urea nitrogen levels reflect the health of the liver and the kidneys during and after treatment; calcium levels reflect your bone and kidney health; and blood sugar tests are important for people with diabetes and people taking steroids.