Leukemia Treatment in India

Types & Procedures of Leukemia Treatment in India

Some of the types of treatment for leukemia are:

• Chemotherapy
• Target Drug therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Stem cell transplant
• Immunotherapy
• Biological therapy
• Clinical trials

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy treatment is most commonly used to treat leukemia or blood cancer. These medications kill the cancer cells by limiting their growth. The chemotherapy medicines can be given to the patient either orally or by injections.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted drug therapy is also a type of treatment used to kill cancer cells. These drugs attack the proteins of cancer cells and kill them. This treatment is beneficial to treat some specific types of leukemias.

Radiation Therapy

In radiation therapy, high-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. This treatment is usually used in combination with other treatments like chemotherapy.

Stem Cell Transplant

 In the treatment of stem cell transplant, unhealthy blood-forming cells are replaced with healthy ones. It is commonly used for certain types of leukemia or when other treatments have not been successful and do not show any response.

Immunotherapy

In immunotherapy treatment, the body's natural defense system is used to fight against cancer cells. In this treatment, medicines are used to boost the defense mechanism to prepare it for attacking cancer cells.

Biological Therapy

This type of treatment uses some substances made by the body or made in a laboratory to restore the natural defense system of the body to fight against leukemia.

Clinical Trials

Researchers are continually developing new treatments for leukemia. Some patients participate in clinical trials to check the response to experimental therapies.

Cost & Diagnosis of Leukemia Treatment in India

Some of the diagnostic methods used for leukemia are described below:

Blood Tests

Blood tests are mostly used for the diagnosis of leukemias. The blood tests give the idea about all types of blood cells present in blood and can identify the abnormality present in the blood cells.

Cytogenetic and Molecular Tests

Cytogenetic and molecular tests are used when there is a genetic factor present in a patient that causes blood cancer. It can also help to determine the treatment plan for patients.

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy provide the confirmed diagnosis of leukemias. In this procedure, a sample is taken from the breast bone or hip bone to check under the laboratory settings. These samples are examined to find out the nature of blood cells formed in the bone marrow. It can provide information on any abnormality present in blood-forming cells.

Imaging Studies

When the cancer spreads to bones and other organs, imaging studies are used to find out the extent of cancer cells. These imaging tests are CT scans and MRIs.

Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): 

When it is suspected that the cancer cells have spread to the brain, a spinal tap test is used to find out the presence of cancer cells in fluid present outside the brain and spinal cord.

Cost of Leukemia Treatment in India

The cost of leukemia treatment in India ranges from ₹ 13,45,000 to ₹ 16,45,000. The cost can vary according to the type of treatment used for leukemia. The cost can also vary according to the need for treatment sessions for an individual patient.

Leukemia Treatment Costs in Different Cities of India

Symptoms & Risk Factors of Leukemia Treatment in India

Some of the symptoms of leukemia are as follows:

• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Easy bruising
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Bone pain
• Joint pain
• Recurrent infections
• Fever or night sweats
• Enlarged spleen 
• Enlarged liver 
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Abdominal discomfort or fullness
• Small red spots under the skin
• Inability to concentrate
• Dizziness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Bleeding gums
• Excessive sweating, especially at night

Risk Factors for Leukemia

Some of the risk factors for leukemia are as follows:

Radiation Exposure

Exposure to radiation for longer periods can increase the risk of leukemias. For example, radiation therapy for cancer treatment can increase the risk of leukemia.

Chemical Exposure

Certain chemicals that are used in industries have been linked to an increased risk of leukemia. People who work in such industries are at higher risk of leukemias.

Previous Cancer Treatment

Some cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can increase the risk of developing leukemia.

Genetic Factors

Some individuals may have a genetic factor that is associated with the development of leukemia. A positive family history of leukemia can increase the risk.

Age

Leukemia can affect people of any age but the risk increases with age. Leukemia occurs most commonly in older adults.

Gender

Some types of leukemias are most common in the male population while other types are common in women.

Certain Viruses

Some viral infections can also increase the risk of leukemia. For example, viruses that reduce immunity can cause leukemia.

Immune System Disorders

Some immune system disorders that lower the body’s ability to fight against diseases may increase the risk of developing leukemia.

Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of almost all types of cancers in the body. The chemicals present in cigarettes can also cause leukemia.

Exposure to Pesticides

People who work closely with pesticides and have long exposure to these chemicals can have leukemias at any stage of their lives.