Blood Cancer: New Horizons in Targeted Therapies spark Hope

Imagine waking up exhausted despite a full night’s sleep or noticing bruises that appear without reason, could these be subtle warnings of a serious condition? In India, blood cancer remains a pressing health concern, affecting countless lives across urban and rural landscapes. As highlighted by the National Cancer Registry Programme, diseases like leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma pose unique challenges due to their impact on blood-forming tissues. Thankfully, the dawn of targeted therapies is reshaping treatment possibilities, offering patients in India renewed hope through precise, less invasive options that promise better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Decoding the mystery of Blood Cancer

Blood cancer disrupts the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells, originating primarily in the bone marrow or lymphatic system. It encompasses leukaemia, which affects white blood cells; lymphoma, targeting lymph nodes; and multiple myeloma, impacting plasma cells. Reports from the Indian Council of Medical Research underscores the rising burden of these malignancies in India, influenced by genetic predispositions and environmental factors unique to the subcontinent. These cancers impair critical functions like immunity and oxygen transport, making early intervention vital. Research from institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences highlights how diverse demographic patterns shape the diseases prevalence, necessitating tailored therapeutic strategies.

Silent Clues: Symptoms you can’t ignore

Recognizing blood cancer early can significantly enhance treatment success. Persistent fatigue that hampers daily activities is a common red flag, often accompanied by frequent infections due to weakened immunity. Unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding, may occur alongside prolonged fevers or night sweats that soak bedding. Bone pain, particularly in the back or ribs, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin are also notable signs. The Monitoring Survey of Cancer Risk Factors by the ICMR notes that symptoms like unintentional weight loss or shortness of breath prompt urgent medical evaluation, often through blood tests, imaging, or bone marrow biopsies, to confirm diagnosis.

Revolutionizing Care: Targeted Therapy Breakthroughs

A. Targeted Therapy: Precision at Scale

Unlike chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy aims at specific genetic or protein markers that fuel cancer growth. Often likened to a sniper’s precision versus a blanket attack, this approach promises higher effectiveness and fewer side effects. Studies report success rates up to 80% in matching patients to appropriate targeted drugs.

In India, drugs such as ivosidenib and venetoclax, approved for AML cases with rare IDH1 mutations, showcase the promise of precision medicine, combining with other agents like azacitidine to help normalise blood cell count and curb cancer growth.

B. CAR-T Cell Therapy: Bringing Cutting-Edge care home

One of the most transformative developments in blood cancer care is CAR-T cell therapy, where a patient’s own immune cells are re-engineered to hunt down cancer. Globally powerful yet previously prohibitively expensive, CAR-T is now being made viable within India.

In late 2023, NexCAR19, India’s first domestically developed CAR-T therapy, was approved. Manufactured locally, it costs a fraction of its international equivalents and has demonstrated impressive responses: around two-thirds of patients showed significant reduction in cancer, with many entering complete remission. Nagpur recently became the first city in central India to offer CAR-T treatment for blood cancers such as ALL, marking a major stride in accessibility, helping patients from surrounding regions avoid costly travel.

Why These Advances Matter for India

Historically, Indian blood cancer survival rates lagged behind global standards due to late diagnosis, limited access to advanced treatments like rituximab, and financial constraints. Today, however, innovative treatments such as ivo sidenib for AML, precision-targeted drugs, and domestic CAR-T therapy are levelling the playing field.

With growing oncology infrastructure, many institutions such as HCG and Tata Memorial leading research and implementation and networks like the National Cancer Grid improving quality across India, the potential for improved outcomes is steadily growing.

Empowering Wellness: Prevention and Hope

While blood cancer cannot be fully prevented, proactive steps can reduce risks. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains boosts immunity, while regular physical activity supports overall wellness. Avoiding tobacco, limiting exposure to harmful chemicals, and prioritizing routine screenings, especially for those with family histories, are crucial. Early detection and timely medical attention remain powerful tools.

The fight against blood cancer is being reshaped by remarkable advances in targeted therapies, transforming what was once a uniformly grim diagnosis into one with genuine hope. These breakthroughs are not just extending lives but improving their quality, offering patients the chance to live more fully and with fewer side effects. The message is clear: science is steadily closing the gap between cancer and cure. What remains essential is awareness, early detection, timely consultation, and participation in clinical trials can open doors to these cutting-edge treatments.

 

By Dr.Nishad Dhakate, Consultant Hemato Oncology and BMT at HCG Cancer Centre, Nagpur