Blood cancer, or hematologic cancer, affects blood cells, bone marrow, and the lymphatic system, compromising the body’s ability to fight infections. It accounts for about 10% of global cancer cases and is more prevalent in men. Effective management involves treatments tailored to individual health conditions and cancer types. This overview covers key blood cancer treatments, types, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment costs in India.
Types of Blood Cancer
Identifying the specific type of blood cancer is crucial for determining an effective treatment plan:
- Leukaemia – Primarily affects white blood cells and is common in children.
- Lymphoma – Affects the lymphatic system, including Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Myeloma – Targets plasma cells, weakening immunity and increasing infection risk.
Symptoms of Blood Cancer
Blood cancer symptoms vary by type and stage but commonly include:
- Persistent fatigue, fever, and night sweats
- Frequent infections and bone or joint pain
- Unexplained weight loss and swollen lymph nodes
Early detection and prompt medical consultation are essential.
Diagnostic Tests for Blood Cancer
To diagnose blood cancer and determine its stage, doctors may conduct:
- Blood Tests – Check blood cell counts and abnormalities.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy – Detects cancerous cells in the bone marrow.
- Imaging Tests – CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans assess the spread.
Types of Blood Cancer Treatment in India
Treatment plans are individualised based on cancer type, patient age, health, and disease stage. Here’s an in-depth look at primary treatment methods:
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body, often in cycles to allow recovery. Different drugs target various blood cancers and may be administered orally, intravenously, or injected directly.
- Benefits: Reduces cancer cell counts, often inducing remission and shrinking tumours.
- Considerations: Side effects include nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and infection risk.
- Radiotherapy
This blood cancer treatment in India uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells, especially effective for localised lymphomas. It may be used alone or with chemotherapy to enhance results.
- Benefits: Effective for reducing tumour size and managing advanced symptoms.
- Considerations: Potential side effects include skin irritation, fatigue, and tissue damage. Techniques like IMRT help minimise harm to healthy tissues.
- Stem Cell Transplantation
A vital option for certain leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas, this procedure replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
- Autologous Transplant: Uses the patient’s own treated stem cells.
- Allogeneic Transplant: Uses compatible donor cells, offering a complete immune reset.
- Benefits: Can restore healthy blood cell production and provide long-term remission.
- Considerations: Intensive with risks like graft-versus-host disease in allogeneic transplants, requiring close monitoring.
- Targeted Therapy
Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapy focuses on specific proteins or genes needed by cancer cells, minimising impact on healthy cells. Often used for chronic myeloid leukaemia and certain lymphomas.
- Benefits: Fewer side effects and effective for genetic mutations.
- Considerations: Possible resistance over time, requiring ongoing adjustments.
- Immunotherapy
This approach boosts the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. CAR T-cell therapy, in which T-cells are modified to target cancer cells, is especially promising for aggressive blood cancers. Monoclonal antibodies also target specific cells.
- Benefits: Offers long-lasting control with fewer side effects for certain patients.
- Considerations: Responses vary, with potential immune-related reactions.
- Surgery
Surgery is rare for blood cancers but may be necessary for localised lymphomas. It often complements chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Benefits: Provides symptom relief by removing tumours.
- Considerations: Surgery is generally reserved for cases where benefits outweigh risks like infection.
These treatments are often combined to maximise effectiveness, with choice based on careful assessment of the patient’s condition and potential side effects. A tailored approach can lead to improved outcomes in managing, and in some cases, curing blood cancers.
Health Management During Treatment
Managing blood cancer involves more than medical treatments. Key health practices during treatment include:
- Infection Prevention – Weakened immunity requires caution against infection.
- Managing Side Effects – Balanced nutrition, hydration, and prescribed medications alleviate side effects.
- Exercise – Gentle activities support recovery and emotional well-being.
Risk Factors Associated with Blood Cancer
Factors that may increase blood cancer risk include:
- Age and Gender – More common in older adults and men
- Chemical Exposure – Contact with substances like benzene
- Family History – Genetic predispositions
- Radiation Exposure – Prolonged exposure to radiation or electromagnetic fields
Cost of Blood Cancer Treatment in India
Costs incurred while seeking blood cancer treatment in India depend on factors like cancer type, stage, hospital, and doctor expertise. Typical expenses cover diagnostic tests, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and post-treatment care. Consulting healthcare providers for a detailed cost estimate is recommended.
Know more about : Understanding Blood Cancer & Its Symptoms
Conclusion
Managing blood cancer requires timely diagnosis, accurate cancer identification, and individualised treatment plans. Advanced treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation are available through experienced professionals and medical facilities in India. With personalised care, India provides reliable, comprehensive options for blood cancer treatment, supporting patients in their journey to recovery.