Blood Cancer  in India

  • Blood cancer, particularly leukemia and lymphoma, is a significant concern in pediatric healthcare in India.
  • Types: The most common types of blood cancers in children include Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
  • Incidence: The incidence rates can vary, but leukemia remains the most prevalent blood cancer in children globally, including in India.

Types of Pediatric Blood Cancers

  • .Leukemia 
  • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) 
  • Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) 
  • Lymphoma 1. Hodgkin lymphoma 
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Other hematological malignancies (e.g., myelodysplastic syndromes)

Causes and Risk Factors

  •  Genetic predispositions .
  • Environmental factors .
  • Infectious agents and their association with blood cancers

Symptoms

1. Common Symptoms:

  • Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent tiredness or a lack of energy that doesn’t improve with rest.

  • Pallor: Pale skin due to anemia, which can occur when the body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells.

  • Frequent Infections: Increased susceptibility to infections, which can be a result of a weakened immune system.

  • Bone or Joint Pain: Pain in the bones or joints, often related to the proliferation of cancer cells.

  • Fever: Unexplained fevers that may come and go.

  • Bruising and Bleeding: Unusual bruising, frequent nosebleeds, or bleeding gums due to low platelet counts.

  • Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss or a loss of appetite.

Diagnosis

1. Medical History and Physical Examination

  • Symptoms Review: The doctor will ask about the child’s symptoms, medical history, and any family history of cancer.
  • Physical Exam: A thorough examination to check for signs such as swollen lymph nodes, pale skin, or bruises.

2. Blood Tests:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Abnormal levels can indicate blood cancer.
  • Blood Smear: A sample of blood is examined under a microscope to check for abnormal cells.

3. Bone Marrow Biopsy:

  • A crucial test where a sample of bone marroww is taken (usually from the hipbone) to look for cancerous cells. This test helps confirm a diagnosis of leukemia.

4. Cytogenetic and Molecular Testing :

  • Analyzing the chromosomes and genes in the cancer cells to identify specific genetic mutations or abnormalities, which can help determine the type of blood cancer and guide treatment.

Treatment Options

1. Chemotherapy :

  • Mainstay Treatment: Most pediatric blood cancers, particularly leukemia, are treated primarily with chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
  • Combination Therapy: Often involves a combination of different drugs administered in cycles.

2.  Radiation Therapy :

  • Targeted Treatment: May be used to target specific areas, especially in cases of lymphoma or when there are masses that need to be reduced.
  • Pre-Transplant Conditioning: Sometimes used before a stem cell transplant.

3.  Stem Cell Transplant (Bone Marrow Transplant):

  • For High-Risk Cases: In cases of aggressive leukemia or when there is a high risk of relapse, a stem cell transplant may be recommended.
  • Source of Stem Cells: Can be from the child (autologous transplant) or from a matched donor (allogeneic transplant).

Current Research and Developments

  • Innovations in treatment protocols and therapies .
  • Clinical trials and research initiatives in India .
  • Role of international collaborations in improving care

Conclusion

  • Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, so if blood cancer is suspected, timely medical evaluation is critical.
  • A pediatric oncologist will typically lead the diagnostic process and develop a treatment plan based on the specific diagnosis and the child’s overall health.
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Departments

Blood Cancer

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Allogeneic Transplant

Haploidentical Transplant

Syngeneic Transplant

Related Hospitals

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals (Jasola, Delhi)

Max Super Specialty Hospital Gurgaon

Artemis Hospital (Gurgaon)

Jaypee Hospital Noida Delhi NCR India

Narayana Superspecialty Hospital Gurgaon

W Pratiksha Hospital (Gurgaon)

Pushpawati Singhania Hospital & Research Institute

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