Can childhood blood cancer survivors lead normal lives?

Childhood cancer is a daunting diagnosis for any family to face. However, with advances in medical science and the expertise of specialists like Dr. Vikas Dua, a renowned child blood cancer specialist in Delhi, there is hope. The question on every parent’s mind is, “Can children treated for childhood cancers lead a normal life?” The answer is a resounding yes.

Dr. Vikas Dua reassures us that children treated for blood cancer can indeed lead fulfilling lives. Many blood cancer survivors, under the care of specialists like him, have grown into thriving adults. While treatment, especially for certain brain tumors, may involve radiation and present some challenges such as a potential drop in IQ, early intervention and comprehensive care can help these children achieve equal career and educational opportunities as their peers.

Identifying Blood Cancer Symptoms in Children

Recognizing the early warning signs of blood cancer in children is crucial. Dr. Dua emphasizes the importance of vigilance when it comes to detecting these symptoms. Some common indicators include a drop in hemoglobin levels, leading to abnormal paleness and increased tiredness in the child. Bluish or greenish discoloration on the hands and feet, as well as small red spots over the body, are cause for concern. Persistent nosebleeds and a heightened susceptibility to infections due to white blood cell impairment are also potential symptoms. Additionally, children may experience bone pain and enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin area.

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The Role of Bone Marrow Transplants in Blood Cancer Treatment

A significant advancement in the treatment of blood cancer is bone marrow transplant. Dr. Dua explains that bone marrow transplants harness the immune response of donor stem cells to combat remaining leukemia cells, known as the graft versus leukemia effect. While this procedure is often successful, there are instances where, unfortunately, relapses occur even after a bone marrow transplant.

Treatment Options for Childhood Blood Cancer in India

In India, the treatment of childhood cancers primarily involves chemotherapy, with the potential addition of surgery and radiation therapy when necessary. In some cases, a combination of these modalities may be utilized. Immunotherapy is also becoming increasingly relevant for treating leukemias and lymphomas in children.

Cure Rates for Leukemia in Children

One of the most promising aspects of childhood cancer treatment is the cure rate. Dr. Dua highlights the substantial progress made in recent decades. In the 1960s, the cure rate for childhood lymphoblastic leukemia was a mere 4%. Today, that figure has risen to an impressive 85%.

Duration of Blood Cancer Treatment in Children

The duration of treatment for blood cancer in children varies depending on the type of cancer. For acute lymphoblastic leukemia, there is typically a six to eight-month protocol-directed therapy followed by two years of maintenance therapy, which includes oral medications. This initial phase is intensive, with frequent hospital visits. In contrast, acute myeloid leukemia requires four cycles of chemotherapy over a period of six to eight months, often necessitating prolonged hospitalization.

Managing Late Effects of Childhood Blood Cancer

It’s essential to be aware of the potential late effects of childhood cancer, which can include cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, reproductive, and endocrine-related problems. Lifelong, focused follow-up care is crucial to monitor and address these effects in a timely manner.

Advice for Caregivers of Childhood Cancer Patients

Dr. Vikas Dua offers valuable advice for caregivers of childhood cancer patients. First and foremost, strict adherence to the recommended treatment protocol is vital. Maintaining impeccable hygiene to prevent infections is also a priority. Addressing chemotherapy side effects like oral ulcers promptly and providing emotional support to the child during treatment are equally important.

In conclusion, children treated for blood cancer can lead normal, fulfilling lives, thanks to advancements in medical science and dedicated specialists like Dr. Vikas Dua, a child blood cancer specialist in Delhi. Early detection, a multi-modal treatment approach, and comprehensive care contribute to high cure rates and improved quality of life for young cancer survivors.

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Fortis Memorial Research Institute

Number of beds:   1000
ICU Beds:     298
Airport Distance:  17 KMs

Brief About:

Fortis Memorial Research Institute was established in 2001.
It is an outstanding multi-speciality quaternary care hospital,having the top-notch infrastructure, advanced equipment, highly qualified and experienced medical professionals and super sub-specialists.
Fortis Hosptial Gurgaon is an advanced centre of excellence in Robotic Surgery, Neurosciences, Oncology, Renal Sciences, BMT, Organ Transplants, Orthopaedics, Cardiac Sciences and Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

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JCI & NABH Accredited Hospital, NABL Accredited Lab, NABH Certified Nursing Excellence, NABH Accredited Blood Bank
FMRI is a 1000 bedded and 15 Operation theaters and over 400 diagnostics centres (including JVs).
Medical facility endowed with a dedicated team of 200 world-renowned doctors, covering a number of specialities, who aim to provide the best quality medical care to all the patients, national as well as international.
This hospital is well set up with the latest technologies and equipment throughout all the specialties and research labs, which are accredited by NABL.
This ensures that the patients at FMRI receive diagnostic results and treatment with high accuracy and in minimum time.
With a vision for the community, FMRI operates various speciality clinics such as, for Paediatrics, Nephrology, Neurology, Gynecology, Orthopedics, Oncology and many more, which provide long term healthcare management and follow up care.
FMRI is the premium healthcare provider and endeavours to be known as the “Mecca of Medicine” – the ultimate healthcare destination.

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Dr. Rahul Bhargava

Specialist: Hematologic Oncologist, BMT
Experience: 23+ years of experience
Hospital: Fortis Memorial Research Institute

About Doctor:

Rahul Bhargava is a Leading Haemato-oncologist in India with over 23+ years of experience.
He has performed 100+ adult bone marrow transplants which are record-breaking in the whole of North India.
He is a Director of Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Fortis Memorial Research Institute hospital, Gurgaon.

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He has successfully completed 400+ transplants to his credit.
Brings along with him an International experience; worked in Vancouver, Canada where he specifically trained in Umbilical cord transplant.
Member of various prestigious organizations, American Society of Bone Marrow Transplant, American Society of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, International Society of Paediatric Oncology to name a few.
During his extensive career, Dr. Bhargava has dealt with enumerable adult and paediatric patients suffering from a wide range of Congenital and Acquired ailments. This includes Acute and Chronic blood conditions such as Blood Cancers, bleeding disorders along with inherited immune deficiency syndromes and metabolic disorders.
He is the first Indian doctor to perform and propagate a Stem Cell Transplant procedure for patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis
The first Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplant in Gurgaon was performed by him on a patient suffering from Fanconi Anaemia patient

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Dr. Vikas Dua

Specialist: Pediatric Oncologist
Experience: 15 years of experience
Hospital: Fortis Memorial Research Institute

About Doctor:

Dr Vikas Dua is one the leading consultants in the field of Pediatric- Hemato-oncology & bone marrow transplant.
He has an experience of over 21+ years and has performed several successful BMTs for thalassemia and leukaemia cases for children from India, Afghanistan, Iraq and African Countries.
Dr. Dua has completed his MBBS & MD (Paediatrics) from PGIMS, Rohtak .Following which he did his Fellowship in DNB (Paediatrics) from Sri Ganga Ram.

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He has also done his Advanced Fellowship in Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant from National University Hospital, Singapore and also did his training in child BMT from the renowned, St. Jude’s Children research Hospital Memphis
Dr Vikas Dua bagged many national and international awards for his outstanding work in Paediatrics BMT
Dr Dua has his expertise in paediatric haematology and bone marrow transplantation.

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We offers these Services

Providing a doctor’s opinion and proper quotation
Selecting the best hospital and doctor as per your case
Arranging a call with the doctor (if the case required)
Visa assistance, Providing Visa Invitation Letter (VIL)
Providing full guidance how to get Visa from your country
Providing total cost including treatment, air tickets, accommodation, and food
Assitance to book flight ticket from your country
Arranging airport pick up/ drop
Providing professional language interpreter
Booking accommodation and guest house as per your budget/ prefrence
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Arranging video consultation with specialist doctor if case requires

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