Hematology
Cancers and disorders of the blood and lymphatic system — leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and conditions such as anemia and clotting problems. I diagnose and treat these with current, evidence-based therapy, and I explain every step in plain language so you are never left guessing.
How I approach this
Blood cancers are where I've spent much of my career. I treat the full range — leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma — and I build each plan around the person in front of me, not just the diagnosis, explaining every step as we go.
What I treat
Blood & lymphatic
Leukemia
Acute or chronic, these are diseases I manage closely, and the treatments keep getting better.
Acute (AML / ALL) · Chronic (CML / CLL)
Lymphoma
Many lymphomas are among the most treatable cancers there are, often with a real expectation of cure.
Hodgkin · Non-Hodgkin
Multiple myeloma
A blood cancer I treat as a long-term partnership, controlling it well over years.
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Bone-marrow disorders I monitor and treat carefully, tailoring therapy to how much support your blood counts need.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms
Chronic blood conditions that are very manageable with the right long-term plan.
Polycythemia vera · Essential thrombocythemia · Myelofibrosis
Blood disorders
Beyond cancer, I treat anemias and clotting and bleeding disorders, the full scope of hematology.
Anemia · Clotting disorders · Thrombosis
Talks and papers on this
- Effective targeting of chronic myeloid leukemia initiating activity with the combination of arsenic trioxide and interferon alpha
International Journal of Cancer · 2013
- A collaborative nationwide lymphoma study in Lebanon: incidence of various subtypes and analysis of associations with viruses
Pathology & Oncology Research · 2013
- Circulating miR-150 and miR-342 in plasma are novel potential biomarkers for acute myeloid leukemia
Journal of Translational Medicine · 2013
- Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in the Middle East: first report of two cases from Lebanon
Transfusion · 2009
- Cytosine arabinoside for induction, salvage, and consolidation therapy of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Seminars in Oncology · 1987
Frequently Asked Questions
- How soon can I be seen after a new cancer diagnosis?
- We know a new cancer diagnosis feels urgent and frightening, so we make every effort to see new patients quickly, usually within a few days. When you book, let us know it’s a new diagnosis and we’ll prioritise your appointment.
- Where is treatment such as chemotherapy or infusions given?
- Consultations take place at the main clinic in Zaarour Center, and treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or infusions are given in the hospital’s day-care unit under Professor Bitar’s supervision, with the nursing team beside you. He also consults at Khoury Hospital. Keeping everything connected means your care stays consistent from visit to visit.
- Do you give second opinions on a diagnosis or a treatment plan started elsewhere?
- Yes. Professor Bitar regularly reviews diagnoses and treatment plans begun elsewhere, whether you’d like reassurance that you’re on the right path or a fresh look at the options. Bring your existing reports and he’ll go through them with you carefully and explain what he would advise.