Leukemia Treatment in Faridabad

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the blood-forming tissues, particularly the bone marrow. It usually develops when abnormal white blood cells begin to grow uncontrollably, affecting the production and function of healthy blood cells. A leukemia diagnosis can be stressful for patients and their families, but understanding the condition and available treatment options can help them make informed decisions.

At Dr. Abhishek Bansal’s cancer care services, the focus is on understanding each patient’s condition, evaluating the type and stage of the disease, and discussing suitable treatment options based on individual medical needs. The treatment approach aims to manage the disease, support overall health and improve the patient’s quality of life.

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells, most commonly white blood cells. These abnormal cells can multiply rapidly or survive longer than normal cells, gradually affecting the production of healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

As the disease progresses, patients may experience symptoms such as persistent fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained fever, easy bruising or unusual bleeding.

Leukemia can affect people of different age groups. Its behaviour, progression and treatment depend on the specific type of leukemia, the patient’s age, overall health and other medical factors.

Types of Leukemia

Leukemia is generally classified according to how quickly it progresses and the type of blood cells it affects.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia develops when immature lymphoid cells grow abnormally. It can progress quickly and requires timely medical evaluation and treatment. It is more common in children but can also affect adults.
2. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Acute Myeloid Leukemia affects myeloid cells, which normally develop into different types of blood cells. It usually progresses rapidly and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is a slow-growing type of blood cancer that affects lymphocytes. Some patients may not experience symptoms in the early stages and may initially require regular monitoring rather than immediate treatment.
4. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia affects myeloid cells and is often associated with a genetic change known as the Philadelphia chromosome. Targeted medicines called tyrosine kinase inhibitors have significantly improved treatment outcomes for many patients.

Diagnosis of Leukemia

Accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the type of leukemia and selecting an appropriate treatment plan. The doctor may recommend several investigations depending on the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

Common diagnostic tests include:

Leukemia Treatment Options

Leukemia treatment depends on the type of cancer, its progression, genetic characteristics, the patient’s age and overall health. Not every patient requires the same treatment. A personalised treatment plan is important for achieving the most appropriate medical outcome.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy cancer cells or stop them from multiplying. It is commonly used for different types of leukemia, particularly acute leukemia. Treatment may involve a combination of medicines and is usually given in carefully planned cycles.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses medicines that act on specific genetic changes or proteins involved in cancer cell growth. It is an important treatment approach for certain types of leukemia, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system recognise and fight cancer cells. Certain immunotherapies, including CAR T-cell therapy and monoclonal antibodies, may be considered for selected leukemia patients depending on the disease type and clinical situation.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It is not routinely required for every type of leukemia but may be recommended in selected cases, such as when treating specific areas of disease or as part of a transplant preparation plan.

Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplant

A stem cell transplant replaces damaged or abnormal blood-forming cells with healthy stem cells. It may be considered for selected patients with certain high-risk, relapsed or difficult-to-treat types of leukemia.