What is Leukaemia?
Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow—the body’s blood-forming tissue. It leads to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, which crowd out healthy cells and impair the production of red blood cells, platelets, and functional white blood cells. This can result in fatigue, frequent infections, bleeding issues, and anaemia. Leukaemia can be acute (rapidly progressing) or chronic (slower growing), with major types including:
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL)
- Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)
- Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and genetic profiling to determine the subtype and guide treatment decisions. Treatments include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation—offering a potential cure, particularly for high-risk or relapsed cases.
Why Choose India for Leukaemia Treatment?
India is an increasingly preferred destination for leukaemia treatment due to the availability of advanced diagnostics, modern therapeutic protocols, and specialized oncologists at a much lower cost than in Western countries. Delhi-based tier-1 private hospitals such as Max Super Speciality Hospital (Saket), Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurgaon), Medanta – The Medicity (Gurgaon), and Indraprastha Apollo Hospital (Delhi) offer:
- Hemato-oncologists trained in stem cell transplantation, immunotherapy, and advanced chemotherapy protocols
- Access to generic versions of expensive targeted therapies (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors for CML)
- Bone marrow transplant units with high-end infection control systems
- Supportive therapies and infrastructure for international patients, including language assistance and medical visa support
India’s combination of personalized care, early diagnosis, and low treatment cost makes it an ideal location for comprehensive and effective leukaemia management.
Cost & Duration Summary
Average Cost in India: USD 20,000 – 40,000
Hospital Stay Required: 1 – 6 weeks (depending on chemotherapy or BMT)
Post-Treatment Stay in India: 1 – 3 months (monitoring, recovery, follow-up)