The ever-evolving discipline of haematological oncology has witnessed both incremental and major advancements in the fight against blood malignancies. For years, both patients and professionals faced insurmountable odds. Because blood malignancies are notoriously complicated and develop quickly, they frequently outstrip traditional treatments. Nevertheless, cautious hope is increasingly expanding in tandem with the available therapeutic options.
Targeted Therapies & Genetic Profiling
“Targeted therapies allow us to ‘kill the driver’ of cancer the mutation responsible effectively stopping the disease while minimising collateral damage,” stated Dr Pawan Kumar Singh, Group Director , Haemato-Oncology & BMT, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals, stressing that blood malignancies can occur in many different places and medical settings.
Chronic myeloid leukaemia is the most frequent chronic disease among older persons, followed by myeloma. Acute leukaemias, particularly paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), remain a significant clinical challenge, often arising in settings with limited resources. Singh explained how genetic profiling and pharmacogenomics are more than buzzwords; they help doctors choose the best treatment for each patient and reduce adverse effects. The shift from one-size-fits-all chemotherapy to precision therapy is a drastic change.
Survival Rates & Disparities
“Paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in India now boasts an 80 to 90 per cent survival rate, a testament to dedicated oncology centres and early diagnosis efforts across sectors,” highlighted Dr Subhaprakash Sanyal, Director ,Haematology, BMT & Cellular Therapy, Fortis Institute of Blood Disorder, Mumbai.
These numbers, significant both statistically and emotionally, reflect optimism where there was once despair. With just 30–40 per cent of patients surviving, adult manifestations of the disease remain a challenge. Given this, Sanyal mentioned emerging tactics such as bone marrow transplants and tailored therapies as essential tools for progressively reducing this discrepancy.
Promise & Barriers Of CAR-T Therapy
“CAR-T cell therapy is the future of blood cancer treatment, educating T-cells to recognise and eliminate cancer cells, though we must address cost barriers for wider access,” stated Dr Gaurav Kharya, Co-Founder and Director, Cellogen Therapeutics; Clinical Lead, Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy, Paediatric Haematology Oncology & Immunology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.
He added that it is akin to “teaching the body’s immune cells a new language, one that recognises and clears cancer cells with unprecedented specificity.” However, the hard realities of substantial infrastructure and economic hurdles temper the potential. Even with the rise of indigenous alternatives, many Indians are unable to pay for these therapies, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Systemic Challenges
Even with these improvements, delays and inequities remain. Systemic resource constraints, lack of awareness among general practitioners, and late presentations all make innovative medicines less effective. For many, timely diagnosis and referral remain crucial yet unattainable goals.
The experts shared their insights at the recent BW Oncology Summit.The panel was moderated by Dr. Abhishek Raj, Senior Consultant &Unit Head, Department of medical oncology, BMT and Cell Therapy Sarvodaya hospital, Faridabad.
The panel’s discussion revealed a multi-layered reality where hope and despair coexist, and breakthrough treatments are undercut by issues of accessibility. Most importantly, it underscored a fundamental truth: blood cancers require relentless innovation and systemic solutions that extend beyond laboratories into communities and clinics.
As this sector develops, so does the collective desire to ensure that the promise of modern medicine reaches every patient it can save. The path is undoubtedly progressing despite its intricacies and irregularities. This intersection of cutting-edge science, compassionate care, and grounded reality marks a turning point in India’s protracted battle against blood cancers, a moment when human effort and hope meaningfully interact. |
