Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment in India
About Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Key Highlights
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High cure rates, especially in pediatric patients, often exceeding 90%.Utilizes a phased, protocol-driven approach (induction, consolidation, maintenance) for systematic treatment.May incorporate advanced therapies like targeted drugs, immunotherapy (e.g., CAR-T cell therapy), and stem cell transplants for high-risk cases.Treatment is highly personalized based on genetic profiling of the leukemia cells and patient-specific factors.Involves a dedicated multidisciplinary team including hemato-oncologists, specialized nurses, and support staff for comprehensive care.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) confirmed by bone marrow biopsy and immunophenotyping.
- Presence of symptoms such as persistent fatigue, fever, easy bruising/bleeding, bone pain, frequent infections, or unexplained weight loss.
- Laboratory findings showing abnormal blood counts (e.g., anemia, thrombocytopenia, high or low white blood cell count with blasts).
- High-risk features identified, including specific genetic abnormalities (e.g., Philadelphia chromosome) or poor initial response to therapy.
- Relapsed or refractory ALL requiring more intensive salvage therapy or stem cell transplantation.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including complete blood count (CBC), bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, lumbar puncture, and genetic/cytogenetic testing.
- Insertion of a central venous catheter (e.g., PICC line or port) for long-term chemotherapy administration and blood draws.
- Dental check-up and necessary procedures to prevent infections during immunosuppression.
- Fertility preservation counseling and procedures (sperm/egg banking) if applicable, as treatment can affect fertility.
- Nutritional assessment and counseling to build strength, along with vaccinations for the patient and household members as advised.
- Psychological counseling and support for the patient and family to prepare for the intensive treatment journey.
Risks & possible complications
- Severe myelosuppression leading to life-threatening infections, anemia, and bleeding due to low blood counts.
- Chemotherapy side effects: nausea, vomiting, mouth sores (mucositis), hair loss, and fatigue.
- Specific organ toxicities affecting the heart, liver, kidneys, or nervous system (neuropathy).
- High risk of tumor lysis syndrome, a metabolic emergency caused by rapid cancer cell breakdown.
- Long-term effects including secondary cancers, growth and development issues in children, and infertility.
- Complications from stem cell transplant, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and prolonged immunosuppression.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery from intensive chemotherapy phases occurs in the hospital under close monitoring for infections and side effects.
- Frequent outpatient visits for blood tests, chemotherapy administration during maintenance phases, and management of side effects.
- Strict infection prevention protocols at home, including hygiene, avoiding sick contacts, and a neutropenic diet if needed.
- Nutritional support and possible physical therapy to regain strength and combat fatigue.
- Long-term follow-up with the hemato-oncologist for years to monitor for relapse, manage late effects, and support overall health.
- Psychological and social support through counseling or support groups to address the emotional impact of the diagnosis and treatment.
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Typical hospital stay:
Varies widely; initial induction phase often requires 4-6 weeks of hospitalization
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Expected recovery time:
Total treatment lasts 2-3 years; intensive phases require months for immune recovery and return to normal activities
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering acute lymphoblastic leukemia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with hemato oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform acute lymphoblastic leukemia. MediFyr helps you compare hemato oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for acute lymphoblastic leukemia compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 500 Thousand – 5 Million | Varies widely; initial induction phase often requires 4-6 weeks of hospitalization | ~ Total treatment lasts 2-3 years; intensive phases require months for immune recovery and return to normal activities | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.75 Million – 17.5 Million | Varies widely; initial induction phase often requires 4-6 weeks of hospitalization | ~ Total treatment lasts 2-3 years; intensive phases require months for immune recovery and return to normal activities | Know More |
Amit Saxena, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Amit Saxena, a 28-year-old software engineer from Pune, had always been the picture of health. His life revolved around coding marathons and weekend treks. The first sign was a persistent fatigue he couldn't shake, followed by unexplained bruises on his shins after a light hike. When a low-grade fever and night sweats joined the list, his girlfriend insisted on a check-up. Blood tests revealed alarming abnormalities, leading to a bone marrow biopsy that confirmed B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). His hemato-oncologist, Dr. Sharma, explained the aggressive nature of adult ALL and recommended immediate initiation of intensive multi-phase chemotherapy, starting with the induction phase to achieve remission. Amit's treatment was brutal. The first round hospitalized him for weeks with severe nausea, mouth sores, and a dangerous drop in his blood counts requiring transfusions. He lost his hair and 12 kilos, watching his strong trekker's body wither. The emotional toll was profound; he felt his future, marriage, career, fatherhood, slipping away, replaced by fear and isolation. After a grueling six months, he achieved molecular remission. His recovery is ongoing, requiring years of maintenance therapy, but he's back to working remotely and taking gentle walks. The experience transformed him. The initial despair has given way to a deep, hard-won gratitude for each day and a commitment to mentoring other young adults through a cancer support group.
Hemato Oncologists for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Explore experienced hemato oncologists who regularly perform acute lymphoblastic leukemia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 13 Years Experience
- Hemato Oncologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 10 Years Experience
- Hemato Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata