Facing a diagnosis of a blood disorder can be a daunting experience for individuals, even though there are often various treatment options available, one of which is watchful waiting, sometimes also referred to as watch and wait. This approach may sound counterproductive, as no medical intervention is taken.
However, watchful waiting plays a crucial role in managing certain blood disorders. But what does watch and wait actually mean in relation to such disorders, and what is its significance in the context of these types of diseases? Furthermore, what is the duration one can expect when this strategy is adopted?
Watchful waiting, also known as active surveillance, is a medical strategy where healthcare professionals closely monitor a patient’s condition without immediately treating it.
This approach is commonly employed in the management of various blood disorders, such as Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL). In early-stage CLL, watchful waiting may be recommended, as not all patients require immediate treatment. Regular blood tests and medical check-ups are often used instead to help monitor disease progression, ensuring that intervention is only used when necessary.
Some individuals with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), especially those with low-risk types, may benefit from watchful waiting. Close monitoring allows healthcare providers to assess blood cell counts and other blood parameters. This helps to determine the right time to begin medical treatment.
Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and Polycythaemia Vera (PV) are rare blood disorders that involve an overproduction of blood cells. Watchful waiting is often employed here, too, but more especially in low-risk cases to avoid unnecessary treatments and the risks associated with them.
The duration of watchful waiting for blood disorders can vary widely from patient to patient and is highly dependent on several factors, such as the blood disorder type and the advancement of the condition.
The specific blood disorder and its stage play a significant role in determining how long watchful waiting may be appropriate. Individuals with early-stage CLL may engage in watchful waiting for months or even years, while those with more advanced disease may require treatment sooner.
The rate at which diseases of the blood progresses is also important. Some blood disorders develop slowly over time, allowing for extended periods of watchful waiting. Others may advance more rapidly, and in these cases, treatment is needed sooner.
A patient’s overall health and fitness level are essential factors in determining the duration of watchful waiting. A patient in good health may be better equipped to tolerate treatment when it becomes necessary.
During watchful waiting, patients undergo regular monitoring through blood tests and clinical assessments. These evaluations help healthcare providers track disease progression and make informed decisions regarding the timing of treatment.
Patient preferences are also integral to the duration of watchful waiting. Some individuals may want to avoid treatment-related side effects, while others may want to pursue intervention at the first sign of any blood disorder-related symptoms.
Although watchful waiting is not a hands-on approach but rather an ongoing monitoring process, it allows healthcare providers to continually assess the patient’s condition, adjusting the strategy as needed.
If there are indications that the blood disorder is progressing or causing symptoms that affect the patient’s quality of life, then treatment may be recommended. However, a major benefit of watchful waiting is that treatment is not given unless absolutely necessary, and this helps patients avoid treatment-related side effects.
Since no treatment strategy is initiated during watchful waiting, no side effects develop in patients. The one risk factor that could create side effects whilst applying this approach is the development of symptoms from the blood disorder itself as it advances and worsens. This can begin to affect the quality of life of the inflicted unless medical treatments are allowed to begin.