The number of people diagnosed with blood cancer is rising every day. This, however, has gone side by side with advancement in care. In India, more than 70,000 people die every year due to it. Cancer is a mass of cells that is dividing uncontrollably. This uncontrolled division is caused by genetic changes (mutations) in the DNA within cells. Blood cancer is when these abnormal cells start dividing in the blood.
As per varied reports, India ranks 3rd highest in the number of cancers diagnosed worldwide. The incidence of blood cancer is around 10% of all cases. Different types of blood cancer have different symptoms and treatments. Some of the most common types of blood cancer are Acute Leukemia, Chronic Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, and Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN).
It can happen anytime during a person’s life, however, the type of blood cancer varies according to the age group, with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) common in children whereas AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) being so in adults.
The article will highlight the key points relating to blood cancer including its treatment.
What are the causes of blood cancer?
Chromosomes are the building blocks of cells. Genetic material is contained inside chromosomes by DNA. Genetic changes in the DNA that alter the genes cause blood cancer. Most of these genetic changes occur throughout the life of the individual and the exact reason behind them is poorly understood. Environmental triggers (Alcohol, Smoking) have less association with blood cancer compared to other ones. There are some genetic conditions like Down’s Syndrome that confer a higher risk of developing blood cancer, however, only 10% of cases are attributed to them.
However, certain things involve the risk of cancer, including
- Age
- Sex
- Ethnicity
- Family history
- Radiation or Chemical exposure
Apart from this, some other lifestyle factors such as diet, and exercise also contribute to the risk of developing blood cancer. Following an unhealthy lifestyle can significantly increase the risk of blood cancer.
Treatment of blood cancer
Blood cancer as described above is a complex term that has various divisions into different types. Hence, there is diversity in their treatment of them. The treatment also has to take into consideration the general health of the individual and has to be tapered according to their tolerance and response to medication
Chemotherapy
The term “Chemotherapy’ refers to the killing of cells with the help of medicines which can either be given by mouth or by the help of I.V.(inside the veins). This drug then travels around the body through the bloodstream and stops the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given through weekly injections, continuous oral medications, or ‘blocks’ of chemotherapy in which the patient is admitted every 3-10 days per month. The duration of chemotherapy depends on the type of blood cancer.
Stem Cell Transplant
The term “stem cell transplant” refers to the replacement of cancerous stem cells (cells that have the potential to divide into any cell) in the body with new and healthy stem cells. Stem Cell transplant can be done either by stem cells taken out through the bone marrow (bone marrow transplant), through blood in the veins (peripheral blood stem cell transplant), or through the umbilical cord of a newborn baby during delivery (umbilical cord blood transplant). Stem cell transplants are used for patients who have a high-risk disease (a disease that has a higher tendency to come back), refractory cases (response to chemotherapy hasn’t been adequate), or after relapse (after the disease comes back again). It is one of the most modern and evolving therapies for blood cancer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapies like Blinatumomab and Inotuzumab are given to patients who are refractory to multiple chemotherapy courses or after relapse. These drugs utilize the body’s immune system to fight cancer in more effective ways.
Radiotherapy
High energy rays like X-rays and Photon rays are delivered to patients either when the cancer has spread to extramedullary sites (Brain or Testis in males) or as a part of Stem Cell transplants. These rays destroy the cancer cells.
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital's Department of Medical Oncology has more than 35 years of expertise in treating adults and children with Blood cancer along with modern state-of-the-art therapeutics including Immunotherapy and stem Cell Transplant. Enhance your health journey with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
For more guidance, book an appointment with the Pediatric Hematology oncology and BMT department and Clinical Hematology department at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and get personalized attention and care from highly qualified doctors.