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  • Leukemia

Leukemia Treatment | I D Cancer Center Lucknow

Overview

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, where abnormal white blood cells grow uncontrollably and crowd out healthy cells. This affects immunity, blood production, and overall health.

Leukemia can occur at any age, including childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and older age.
With today’s medical advances, most leukemia types are highly treatable, and many patients achieve long-term remission.

At I D Cancer Center, we provide expert hematology–oncology evaluation, advanced diagnostics, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, bone marrow biopsy, and precision radiotherapy, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care.


Types of Leukemia

Leukemia is classified based on disease speed (acute or chronic) and cell type (lymphoid or myeloid).

1. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Common in children; progresses rapidly.

2. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Rapid-growing cancer affecting myeloid cells; common in adults.

3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Slow-growing leukemia usually seen in older adults.

4. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Caused by the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL); highly treatable with targeted therapy.


Causes & Risk Factors

Common Causes

  • Genetic mutations

  • Radiation exposure

  • Certain chemicals (benzene, pesticides)

  • Smoking

  • Previous chemotherapy/ radiotherapy

  • Family history (rare)

Risk Factors

  • Older age (especially CLL & AML)

  • Male gender

  • Some genetic syndromes (Down, Fanconi anemia)

  • Weak immune system

Leukemia is not contagious.


Symptoms of Leukemia

Symptoms vary depending on the leukemia type.

Low Red Blood Cells (Anemia)

  • Fatigue

  • Weakness

  • Pale skin

  • Breathlessness

Low White Blood Cells

  • Frequent infections

  • Fever

  • Mouth ulcers

Low Platelets

  • Easy bruising

  • Nosebleeds

  • Bleeding gums

  • Pinpoint red spots (petechiae)

Other Symptoms

  • Bone pain

  • Swollen lymph nodes

  • Night sweats

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Enlarged spleen or liver

Any persistent symptoms should be evaluated urgently.


Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center

We follow international protocols to diagnose leukemia accurately.

🩸 Blood Tests

  • Complete blood count (CBC)

  • Peripheral smear

  • LDH levels

  • Infection markers

🔬 Bone Marrow Analysis

  • Bone marrow aspiration & biopsy

  • Flow cytometry

  • Cytogenetics (karyotyping)

  • FISH studies (BCR-ABL, PML-RARA, etc.)

  • Molecular profiling (FLT3, NPM1, IDH1/2, TP53)

🖥️ Imaging

  • Ultrasound abdomen

  • X-rays

  • CT/PET-CT (selected cases)

📊 Risk Stratification

Helps plan personalized treatment based on genetic and molecular findings.


Treatment Options

Treatment depends on leukemia type, stage, age, and fitness level.


1. Chemotherapy

Main treatment for ALL and AML
Used in cycles to eliminate cancer cells.


2. Targeted Therapy

Highly effective in:

  • CML (Imatinib, Dasatinib, Nilotinib)

  • CLL (Ibrutinib, Venetoclax)

  • AML (FLT3 inhibitors, IDH inhibitors)

Targets the specific genetic mutations driving leukemia.


3. Immunotherapy

Boosts the patient’s immune system to kill cancer cells.

Includes:

  • Monoclonal antibodies (Rituximab)

  • CAR-T therapy (for select cases)

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (in specific settings)


4. Radiation Therapy

At I D Cancer Center, radiotherapy is used for:

  • Leukemia involving the brain/spine

  • Bone pain

  • Enlarged lymph nodes

  • Preparation for stem cell transplant
    Delivered using IMRT, IGRT, and VMAT for precision and safety.


5. Stem Cell Transplant (SCT)

Potentially curative for:

  • High-risk AML

  • Relapsed ALL

  • Some aggressive CML/CLL cases

We coordinate with national transplant centers while providing pre- and post-transplant support.


6. Supportive Care

Essential part of leukemia management:

  • Blood transfusions

  • Antibiotics for infections

  • Growth factors

  • Nutritional support

  • Pain management


Living With Leukemia

At I D Cancer Center, patients receive long-term monitoring and holistic care:

  • Regular CBC and marrow tests

  • Management of side effects

  • Emotional and psychological support

  • Nutrition and immunity guidance

  • Family counselling

  • Physical rehabilitation

Our goal is remission, long-term survival, and excellent quality of life.