Blood Cancer

1. Physical examination: The first step often begins with a physical examination and a detailed discussion about how the patient has been feeling, what symptoms they’ve experienced, and whether there’s any family history of cancer or serious illness.

2. Blood tests: After this initial consultation, the doctor usually recommends a set of blood tests. One of the most important ones is called a complete blood count (CBC). This test looks at the number and types of cells in your blood — including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets these are called as blasts cells. If there are too many or too few of any of these, or if the cells look abnormal, it can be a sign that something is wrong in the bone marrow where these cells are made.

3. Bone marrow/biopsy tests: If the blood test shows unusual results, the next step is to look more closely at the bone marrow — the soft, spongy tissue inside your bones. This is done through a bone marrow biopsy. During this test, a small sample of bone marrow is taken, usually from the hip bone, using a special needle. This might sound scary, but it’s a routine procedure and is done under local anesthesia so the patient doesn’t feel pain. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it’s checked under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells present. Special test like flow cytometry, cytogenetics and molecular tests are performed on the bone marrow samples. These tests helps for staging and prognosis.

4. Imaging tests: CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs are also used. These scans give doctors a detailed picture of what’s happening inside the body. For example, if a person has swollen lymph nodes or an enlarged spleen, these tests can help show how far the disease has spread. In some cases, especially if lymphoma is suspected, a lymph node biopsy may be done. This means removing a small part of a swollen lymph node and examining it to see if there are cancer cells in it. The imaging tests help for staging and monitoring the disease response.

1. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses strong medicines that travel through the bloodstream to reach and destroy cancer cells. These medicines are usually given through a drip (IV) or taken as pills. Chemotherapy works by targeting cells that grow quickly, which includes cancer cells. However, it can also affect some healthy cells, which is why people might feel side effects like hair loss, tiredness, or nausea. But many of these side effects can be managed with proper care, and they often go away after the treatment ends.

2. Targeted Therapy: This is a more advanced form of treatment that focuses only on the cancer cells and leaves the healthy ones alone. Targeted therapy looks for specific markers or changes in the cancer cells and uses special medicines to block those changes. Because it attacks only the bad cells, many people find it easier to tolerate than chemotherapy. It’s like sending a smart missile to destroy the enemy without damaging the surroundings.

3. Immunotherapy: This method helps the body’s own immune system fight the cancer. Normally, your immune system protects you from diseases. But in blood cancer, cancer cells can hide from your immune system or stop it from working properly. Immunotherapy boosts or trains your immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

4. Stem Cell Transplant: This is also known as a bone marrow transplant. In this treatment, the patient first receives high doses of chemotherapy (sometimes radiation too) to destroy all the cancer cells. Then, healthy stem cells are introduced into the body to rebuild the bone marrow and help it produce healthy blood cells again. These stem cells may come from the patient’s own body (collected earlier) or from a donor. It’s a complex procedure, but for many patients, it offers a chance at a complete cure.

5. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is sometimes used in blood cancer treatment, especially in lymphoma. Radiation uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells in specific parts of the body. If a patient has a large tumor or a swollen lymph node that’s causing problems, radiation can help shrink it quickly. It’s usually used along with other treatments like chemotherapy or after a transplant.

6. Cellular Therapy (CAR-T Cell Therapy / BiTE Therapy): This is one of the most promising and cutting-edge options for certain types of blood cancer.

• CAR-T Cell Therapy involves collecting a patient's T-cells (a type of immune cell), modifying them in a lab to recognize and attack cancer cells, and then infusing them back into the patient’s body. It’s highly personalized and has shown remarkable results in treating some leukemias and lymphomas.
• BiTE (Bispecific T-cell Engager) Therapy is another exciting innovation. It uses specially designed antibodies that bind both cancer cells and the patient’s T-cells, bringing them together to destroy the cancer cells directly.

Dr. Reetu Jain is a highly respected blood cancer specialist in Mumbai, known for her compassionate care, deep expertise, and personalized approach to treatment. With years of experience in managing complex cases of leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, she is widely regarded as one of the best oncologist in Mumbai. Her dedication to patient care, combined with her use of the latest medical advancements—such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplants—makes her a trusted choice for families seeking reliable and effective cancer treatment. Patients often describe Dr. Reetu Jain not only as a skilled blood cancer doctor in Mumbai, but also as a comforting presence during one of the most difficult times in their lives.