CION Ameerpet
EXPERT HAEMATOLOGY CARE
Blood Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad — Expert Haematology Care Across 7 Locations
Medically reviewed by Dr. N. Kiranmayee, Medical Oncologist · Written by Dr. Basudev Pokhrel, Haematologist · Last reviewed 21 May 2026
'Blood cancer' covers three fundamentally different diseases — leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma — each with its own biology, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis. The first question after diagnosis is almost always the most important one: which type? A person with chronic myeloid leukaemia takes a daily tablet at home for years. A person with acute myeloid leukaemia needs treatment within days. A person with multiple myeloma begins a regimen that controls the disease for years. The word 'blood cancer' is not enough — knowing which type changes everything.
- All Three Blood Cancers — leukaemia, lymphoma & multiple myeloma managed by a dedicated haematology team
- Molecular Testing-Guided — bone marrow biopsy with flow cytometry, FISH & PCR for treatment planning
- 7 Hyderabad Locations — day-care chemotherapy delivered across all CION centres
- 5-Star NABH Accredited — VRd + daratumumab for myeloma; BMT referral coordinated end-to-end
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Did You Know? Not all blood cancers require urgent treatment.
Acute leukaemias (ALL and AML) need treatment within days — they are genuine emergencies. But chronic leukaemias (CML, CLL), indolent lymphomas (follicular lymphoma), and multiple myeloma without symptoms often allow days to weeks before treatment must begin — time that can be used for a second opinion, molecular testing, and careful treatment planning. If you have received a blood cancer diagnosis, ask your haematologist whether this is an acute or slow-growing type, and whether a second opinion is possible.
Three Diseases, One Umbrella Term
Which Type of Blood Cancer? — Understanding Your Diagnosis
Blood cancer begins when cells in the blood-forming system grow abnormally. Which cells are affected determines everything about the disease — its speed, its treatment, and its outlook.
| Type | Where It Starts | Speed | Key Subtypes | Primary Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leukaemia | Blood & bone marrow | Acute (fast) or chronic (slow) | ALL, AML, CML, CLL | Chemotherapy (acute) or daily targeted tablet (CML) |
| Lymphoma | Lymph nodes & lymphatic system | Varies — Hodgkin (predictable) to aggressive NHL | Hodgkin, DLBCL, Follicular, others | Chemo-immunotherapy; watch & wait for indolent types |
| Multiple Myeloma | Plasma cells in bone marrow | Chronic — usually slow but progressive | IgG, IgA, Light Chain myeloma & others | VRd + daratumumab; autologous transplant for eligible |
Leukaemia
Read our full Leukaemia Treatment page →
Leukaemia — Cancer of the Blood & Bone Marrow
Leukaemia develops when blood cells produced in the bone marrow grow abnormally and crowd out healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. There are four main types — ALL, AML, CML, and CLL — each with fundamentally different treatment approaches. CION's dedicated leukaemia treatment page covers all four types in detail, including the TKI tablet revolution for CML, the urgency of AML treatment, and the watch-and-wait approach for early CLL.
Common symptoms across all leukaemia types: persistent fatigue and paleness, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, bone pain, and unexplained fever.
Lymphoma
Read our full Lymphoma Treatment page →
Lymphoma — Cancer of the Lymphatic System
Lymphoma develops in lymphocytes — white blood cells in the lymph nodes and lymphatic system. Hodgkin lymphoma is highly curable with chemotherapy in 80 to 90% of patients. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma covers over 60 subtypes ranging from slow-growing (indolent) types managed with watch-and-wait to aggressive types requiring urgent chemo-immunotherapy. CION's dedicated lymphoma treatment page covers both types in depth, including the R-CHOP regimen for DLBCL, the watch-and-wait approach for follicular lymphoma, and PET-CT guided treatment assessment.
Common symptoms: painless swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss (B symptoms).
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Meet the Specialists
Haematology & medical oncology — one panel for all three blood cancers
A dedicated haematology team supported by 17+ super-specialist oncologists. Every leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma case is reviewed by haematology, medical oncology, and pathology — together.
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Mohammed Imran
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
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Same-week appointments across all 7 Hyderabad locations. Bring your reports — or come in for fresh evaluation. Leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, MGUS — all reviewed by our haematology team.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple Myeloma — The Third Blood Cancer
Multiple myeloma — often simply called myeloma — is the third most common blood cancer and the type with the least patient-facing information available on the Hyderabad SERP. It develops when plasma cells in the bone marrow become cancerous. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that normally makes antibodies to fight infection. In myeloma, one abnormal plasma cell multiplies uncontrollably, producing a large quantity of a useless, abnormal protein (called M-protein or paraprotein) while crowding out normal bone marrow cells.
Myeloma is a distinct disease from leukaemia and lymphoma and requires completely different treatment.
How Myeloma Is Found
Myeloma is often found in one of three ways: through investigation of bone pain (typically in the back, ribs, or hips); through investigation of unexplained anaemia or kidney problems; or incidentally on a routine blood test that shows an abnormal protein. The bone pain of myeloma occurs because myeloma cells in the bone marrow activate cells that break down bone, causing pain and sometimes fractures with minimal trauma.
MGUS
MGUS — When a Blood Test Shows Something Worrying But It Isn't Myeloma
Many patients are told their blood test shows an 'abnormal protein' or MGUS — Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance. This can be deeply alarming. It is important to understand what MGUS is and what it is not.
MGUS means that a small number of abnormal plasma cells are producing a detectable abnormal protein in the blood, but not in quantities sufficient to cause harm, and without the other features of myeloma. MGUS is not myeloma. It does not require treatment.
The risk that MGUS will progress to myeloma is approximately 1% per year — meaning most people with MGUS never develop myeloma in their lifetime. MGUS is managed with regular blood test monitoring (every 6 to 12 months) to watch for any progression. If the abnormal protein level is rising, or if new symptoms appear, further investigation is done.
There is a condition between MGUS and myeloma called smouldering myeloma — where the number of abnormal plasma cells is higher, but no organ damage has occurred yet. Smouldering myeloma is also monitored rather than treated in most cases.
CRAB Features
Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma — The CRAB Criteria
The classic features of active myeloma are sometimes summarised as CRAB. Not all patients have all four features at diagnosis — many present primarily with unexplained back pain or fatigue.
- C — Calcium elevatedHigh blood calcium causing confusion, constipation, excessive thirst, and fatigue.
- R — Renal impairmentMyeloma proteins (M-protein) damage the kidneys; can present as unexplained kidney problems before any other symptom.
- A — AnaemiaCrowding of the bone marrow by myeloma cells causes reduced red blood cell production — fatigue, paleness, breathlessness.
- B — Bone lesionsMyeloma cells break down bone, causing pain (back, ribs, hips), fractures with minimal trauma, and holes visible on imaging.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma
Diagnosis requires four things together: confirming the presence of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow (bone marrow biopsy), measuring the level of M-protein in the blood and urine, assessing for organ damage (CRAB criteria), and identifying high-risk genetic features.
A whole-body imaging study — either a PET-CT or low-dose whole-body CT — checks for bone lesions throughout the skeleton. Chromosomal testing on the bone marrow sample (FISH testing) identifies high-risk genetic features that guide treatment intensity decisions.
PET-CT arranged through CION's specialist imaging referral network, starting from ₹9,999 to ₹16,000.
Myeloma Treatment
Multiple Myeloma Treatment — Modern Regimens That Work
Multiple myeloma was once a disease with very limited treatment options and median survival of approximately 3 years. Modern treatment has transformed this — with median survival now exceeding 5 to 7 years for many patients, and some achieving long remissions of 10 years or more. The treatment revolution has been driven by three new classes of medicines, now combined in standard first-line regimens.
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VRd — The Three-Medicine Foundation
The backbone of modern myeloma treatment is a three-medicine combination called VRd: a proteasome inhibitor (blocks a specific waste-disposal system inside cancer cells; given as a weekly injection under the skin); an immunomodulatory drug (slows myeloma growth, cuts off the blood supply myeloma needs, and helps the immune system attack myeloma cells; taken as daily oral capsules); and a steroid (dexamethasone) taken as weekly oral tablets. Together, these three medicines achieve deep responses in 80 to 90% of newly diagnosed myeloma patients.
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Daratumumab — The Antibody That Changed First-Line Treatment
Daratumumab is a targeted antibody medicine that attaches to a specific protein marker (CD38) on myeloma cells and helps the immune system destroy them. Adding daratumumab to VRd — making a four-medicine combination called Dara-VRd — has become the new standard of care for newly diagnosed myeloma in eligible patients. Dara-VRd nearly doubles the rate of deep molecular response compared to VRd alone, and significantly improves progression-free survival. Given as an intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection.
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Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for Eligible Patients
For patients under approximately 65 to 70 years of age who are fit enough, autologous stem cell transplant — collecting the patient's own stem cells, giving high-dose chemotherapy to destroy remaining myeloma, then reinfusing the stem cells to rescue the bone marrow — is part of the standard pathway after initial therapy. Transplant deepens the response and extends remission duration. CION identifies transplant-eligible patients early and coordinates referral to specialist transplant centres.
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Maintenance Therapy
After initial treatment (with or without transplant), maintenance therapy — low-dose ongoing medicine to prevent relapse — is standard for most myeloma patients. An immunomodulatory drug taken as daily oral capsules is the most widely used maintenance therapy and has been shown to significantly extend the time before myeloma comes back. Maintenance continues until the myeloma progresses or side effects require stopping.
Did You Know? Modern myeloma treatment controls the disease for 5 to 7 years or longer for many patients.
Multiple myeloma — the third most common blood cancer — now has treatments that can control the disease for 5 to 7 years or longer for many patients, with some achieving complete disappearance of the cancer protein from the blood. The standard of care has been transformed in the past decade by combining three types of medicines and adding a targeted antibody (daratumumab) that helps the immune system destroy myeloma cells. If you were told that myeloma 'cannot be cured' without an explanation of modern treatment options and their outcomes, a specialist haematology second opinion is worthwhile.
Symptoms — All Three Types
Common Symptoms of Blood Cancer
Some symptoms are shared across all three types of blood cancer. Any combination of the following that persists for more than 2 to 4 weeks without an obvious cause warrants a blood test and specialist evaluation:
- Persistent unexplained fatigueThe most common symptom across all blood cancers — tiredness that sleep does not resolve.
- Frequent slow-resolving infectionsA sign the immune system is not functioning normally.
- Easy bruising or unexpected bleedingBruises from minimal contact, prolonged bleeding from cuts, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums.
- Painless swollen lymph nodesNeck, armpit, or groin — typically a lymphoma symptom.
- Bone pain — back, ribs, hipsA characteristic myeloma symptom; can also indicate bone marrow involvement in other blood cancers.
- Weight loss, fever & night sweatsThe 'B symptoms' of lymphoma — but can occur in any blood cancer.
- Breathlessness on minimal exertionFrom severe anaemia caused by bone marrow failure.
Diagnosis
How Blood Cancer Is Diagnosed at CION
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Full Blood Count — the Starting Point
A full blood count is almost always the first abnormal test that raises the possibility of blood cancer. Significantly elevated or reduced white blood cell counts, anaemia, and low platelet counts all prompt further investigation. An unexpected abnormal protein on a routine blood test is often the first sign of MGUS or myeloma.
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Bone Marrow Biopsy — the Definitive Test
A small sample of bone marrow is taken from the back of the hip under local anaesthetic or sedation. The sample confirms the blood cancer type, the percentage of abnormal cells, and provides material for molecular and chromosomal testing. For myeloma, additional tests of blood and urine check for M-protein levels. For leukaemia and lymphoma, flow cytometry identifies the specific cell markers that define the subtype.
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Imaging
Lymphoma staging uses PET-CT — the most sensitive test for identifying all active lymphoma sites in the body. Myeloma uses whole-body CT or PET-CT to identify bone lesions. Leukaemia staging uses CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to check for organ involvement. PET-CT through CION's specialist imaging referral network: ₹9,999–₹16,000.
Urgency by Type
Within Days
Days to Weeks
Days to Weeks
Months to Years
2–4 Weeks
1–2 Weeks
Watch and Wait
Weeks
Monitoring Only
Not All Blood Cancers Are Emergencies — Urgency by Type
One of the most anxiety-inducing aspects of a blood cancer diagnosis is uncertainty about how fast to act. The answer differs significantly by type:
AML — Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Start treatment within days of diagnosis. Genuinely urgent — delays worsen outcome.
ALL — Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Start treatment within days to weeks. Urgent but allows brief planning.
CML — Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Days to weeks to start the daily TKI tablet. Time for a second opinion if needed.
CLL — Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Many patients monitored for months or years before treatment is needed.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Treatment should begin within 2 to 4 weeks. Not same-day urgent but should not be indefinitely delayed.
Aggressive NHL (DLBCL)
Treatment within 1 to 2 weeks. Urgent — requires R-CHOP chemo-immunotherapy.
Indolent NHL (Follicular)
Many patients on watch-and-wait for years without treatment.
Multiple Myeloma
In most cases, time to complete staging, molecular testing, and transplant eligibility assessment before starting; a second opinion is usually possible.
MGUS & Smouldering Myeloma
No treatment; monitoring only. Time for thorough evaluation and a second opinion.
Bone Marrow Transplant
Own Cells
Donor Cells
Bone Marrow Transplant — Autologous vs Allogeneic
Bone marrow transplant — also called stem cell transplant — is one of the most powerful tools in blood cancer treatment, but also one of the most misunderstood. There are two fundamentally different types:
Autologous Transplant
The patient's own stem cells are collected from the blood before high-dose chemotherapy. The chemotherapy destroys remaining cancer cells in the bone marrow. The stored stem cells are then reinfused to rescue the bone marrow and restore normal blood cell production. Because the cells are the patient's own, there is no risk of rejection and the procedure is better tolerated. Used for eligible myeloma patients and for relapsed lymphoma. It is not a cure for myeloma — it deepens the response and extends the time before relapse.
Allogeneic Transplant
Healthy stem cells from a matched donor (a sibling, an unrelated matched donor, or a haploidentical half-match) replace the patient's diseased bone marrow. Allogeneic transplant has a more powerful anti-cancer effect because the donor immune cells recognise and attack remaining cancer cells (the graft-versus-cancer effect). Used for high-risk or relapsed leukaemia and selected other blood cancers. Higher risk than autologous — including graft-versus-host disease, where donor cells attack the patient's tissues.
CION evaluates transplant eligibility for all blood cancer patients who may benefit, coordinates stem cell collection for autologous candidates, initiates HLA donor matching for allogeneic candidates, and refers to specialist transplant centres for the procedure itself.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Every Blood Cancer Case Reviewed by a Specialist Team
Blood cancer management requires haematology, medical oncology, and pathology working together from diagnosis. At CION:
- Full blood count reviewedBlood cancer type suspected; bone marrow biopsy arranged.
- Bone marrow biopsy + flow + FISHExact type and subtype confirmed; chromosomal abnormalities identified.
- Leukaemia patientsUrgency assessed; TKI for CML; induction for AML/ALL; watch-and-wait for eligible CLL.
- Lymphoma patientsAnn Arbor staging by PET-CT; DLBCL → R-CHOP; Hodgkin → ABVD; follicular → watch-and-wait or rituximab-based treatment.
- Myeloma patientsCRAB criteria assessment; FISH chromosomal testing; M-protein quantification; whole-body imaging; transplant eligibility.
- MGUS & smouldering myelomaMonitoring schedule established; treatment triggers defined; reassurance given where appropriate.
- VRd + daratumumab initiatedFor newly diagnosed eligible myeloma patients — the modern first-line standard.
- Transplant eligibility assessedAutologous or allogeneic; stem cell collection or donor matching initiated; specialist referral coordinated.
- PET-CT stagingThrough CION's specialist imaging referral network — ₹9,999 to ₹16,000.
- NCCN & ESMO protocol adherenceDay-care chemotherapy delivered across all 7 Hyderabad locations.
Why CION
Why Patients Choose CION for Blood Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad
- 1,000+ Cancer Cases AnnuallyTreated across the CION network — volume drives quality in oncology.
- 7 Locations Across HyderabadKukatpally, Kompally, Ameerpet, Tolichowki, MasabTank, L.B. Nagar, Banjara Hills.
- 5-Star NABH AccreditedCancer care institutes built and audited to NABH standards.
- NCCN & ESMO ProtocolsAdhered across all three blood cancer types — leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma.
- Dedicated Haematologist + Medical OncologistDr. Basudev Pokhrel & Dr. N. Kiranmayee — managing leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
- PET-CT Imaging Network₹9,999–₹16,000 through CION's specialist imaging referral partners.
- Day-Care ChemotherapyAcross all 7 Hyderabad locations — reduced travel for ongoing treatment.
- Dedicated Second Opinion ServiceFull molecular and cytogenetic review before any commitment to treatment.
- EMI FacilityFlexible payment options available for all patients; 4.8/5 across 1,000+ patient reviews.
- India's Fastest-Growing Cancer Network35+ centres across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Cost of Treatment
Blood Cancer Treatment Cost in Hyderabad
Costs vary significantly by type. Acute leukaemia involves hospitalisation-intensive induction; myeloma involves ongoing oral and infusion treatment.
| Treatment / Investigation | Approx. Cost (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bone Marrow Biopsy + Flow Cytometry + FISH Panel | ₹10,000 – ₹40,000 | Essential for diagnosis and subtype confirmation |
| PET-CT Scan (staging) | ₹9,999 – ₹16,000 | Through CION's specialist imaging referral network |
| AML Induction Chemotherapy (hospitalisation) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 | Intensive; blood product support included |
| CML — TKI Tablet (imatinib, monthly generic) | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 | Ongoing indefinitely; PCR monitoring every 3 months |
| ALL Full Course (2–3 years) | ₹5,00,000 – ₹15,00,000+ | Multi-phase; maintenance is low cost |
| Hodgkin Lymphoma — ABVD (per cycle) | ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000 | 6 cycles; day-care delivery |
| DLBCL — R-CHOP Full Course (6 cycles) | ₹3,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 | Chemo-immunotherapy; day-care |
| Myeloma — VRd Regimen (per 28-day cycle) | ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000 | Proteasome inhibitor + immunomodulatory + steroid |
| Myeloma — Daratumumab (per infusion) | ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000 | Biosimilar/generic available at lower cost |
| Myeloma — Maintenance (immunomodulatory, monthly) | ₹20,000 – ₹60,000 | Ongoing after initial treatment |
| Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (at specialist centre) | ₹8,00,000 – ₹20,00,000+ | CION coordinates referral; cost at transplant centre |
Costs are indicative. Generic and biosimilar medicines significantly reduce targeted therapy costs. A personalised cost estimate is provided following your initial haematology consultation at CION.
EMI Facility
Flexible instalment-based payment options available for all patients.
Private Health Insurance
CION works with all major TPAs for cashless hospitalisation.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Blood Cancer Treatment
What is blood cancer?
Blood cancer is an umbrella term for cancers that develop in the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. These cancers begin when blood cells — or the cells that produce them — grow abnormally and crowd out healthy cells. The three main types are leukaemia (affecting blood-forming cells in the bone marrow), lymphoma (affecting lymphocytes in the lymph nodes), and multiple myeloma (affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow). Each has different biology, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis. A blood cancer diagnosis is not complete until the specific type and subtype has been confirmed by bone marrow biopsy and molecular testing.
What are the 3 types of blood cancer?
Leukaemia starts in the bone marrow and causes abnormal blood cells to multiply rapidly. It comes in four main types — ALL, AML, CML, and CLL — ranging from acute emergencies to chronic conditions managed with daily tablets. Lymphoma starts in lymphocytes (immune cells) and primarily affects the lymph nodes; it includes Hodgkin lymphoma (highly curable) and over 60 subtypes of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Multiple myeloma starts in plasma cells (antibody-producing cells) in the bone marrow and is characterised by bone pain, anaemia, kidney problems, and an abnormal protein in the blood. Each requires a completely different treatment approach.
What are the symptoms of blood cancer?
Symptoms common across blood cancer types include persistent unexplained fatigue and weakness; frequent infections that take longer than usual to resolve; easy bruising or unexpected bleeding; unexplained weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Specific to certain types: swollen painless lymph nodes (most common in lymphoma); bone pain in the back, ribs, or hips (characteristic of myeloma); and — in acute leukaemias — rapidly worsening symptoms over days to weeks. A routine blood test showing abnormal counts (very high or low white blood cells, anaemia, low platelets) or an unexpected abnormal protein is often the first finding.
Is blood cancer curable?
It depends on the type. Hodgkin lymphoma: 80 to 90% cured. CML (on TKI tablets): near-normal life expectancy; some achieve treatment-free remission. ALL in children: over 90% cured. AML: 35 to 50% cured in adults under 60. CLL: rarely cured but often controlled for decades. Aggressive NHL (DLBCL): 60 to 70% cured with R-CHOP. Indolent NHL: rarely cured but controlled for 15 to 20+ years. Multiple myeloma: rarely cured outright, but modern treatment achieves median survival of 5 to 7+ years with some patients in complete remission for 10+ years. The specific type, molecular features, and stage are the most important determinants.
What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that develops when plasma cells in the bone marrow become cancerous. Plasma cells normally make antibodies. In myeloma, one abnormal plasma cell multiplies and produces a useless abnormal protein (M-protein) while crowding out normal bone marrow cells. This causes bone pain and fractures (myeloma destroys bone), anaemia, kidney damage (from the M-protein), immune weakness, and high blood calcium. Modern treatment — combining three types of medicines plus a targeted antibody — achieves deep responses in most patients, and autologous stem cell transplant in eligible patients further extends remission duration.
What is MGUS and is it blood cancer?
MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance) is not blood cancer. It means a small number of abnormal plasma cells are producing a detectable abnormal protein in the blood, but not in quantities that cause any harm, and without the features of myeloma. The risk of MGUS progressing to myeloma is approximately 1% per year — the great majority of people with MGUS never develop myeloma. MGUS requires no treatment, only regular blood test monitoring every 6 to 12 months. If you have been told your blood test shows an 'abnormal protein' or MGUS, specialist haematology review is appropriate — but it is very different from a myeloma diagnosis.
What is a bone marrow transplant for blood cancer?
There are two types. Autologous transplant uses the patient's own stem cells — collected before high-dose chemotherapy, frozen, and reinfused afterwards to rescue the bone marrow; used for eligible myeloma and relapsed lymphoma patients; better tolerated, no rejection risk. Allogeneic transplant uses stem cells from a matched donor; the donor immune cells also attack remaining cancer cells (graft-versus-cancer effect); used for high-risk leukaemia; higher risk of complications including graft-versus-host disease. CION evaluates transplant eligibility and coordinates referral to specialist transplant centres.
Do I need to start treatment immediately after a blood cancer diagnosis?
It depends entirely on the type. AML and ALL are genuine emergencies — treatment within days is essential. CML, early-stage CLL, multiple myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and most other blood cancers allow days to weeks before treatment must begin — time that can be used for staging, molecular testing, transplant eligibility assessment, and a second opinion. Indolent lymphomas and early CLL may not need treatment for months or years. Always ask your haematologist: 'Is this an acute emergency, or do I have time for a second opinion?' The answer varies significantly by diagnosis.
What is the cost of blood cancer treatment in Hyderabad?
Costs vary significantly by type. CML TKI tablet (generic imatinib): ₹5,000–₹20,000 per month. AML induction chemotherapy: ₹1,50,000–₹4,00,000. ALL full 2–3 year course: ₹5,00,000–₹15,00,000+. R-CHOP for lymphoma (full 6-cycle course): ₹3,00,000–₹8,00,000. Myeloma VRd per cycle: ₹60,000–₹1,50,000; daratumumab per infusion: ₹80,000–₹2,00,000. Autologous transplant: ₹8,00,000–₹20,00,000+ at specialist centre. PET-CT: ₹9,999–₹16,000 through CION's imaging referral network. A personalised estimate is provided after your initial CION haematology consultation. EMI options are available.
Can I get a second opinion for blood cancer?
Absolutely — and for blood cancer, a second opinion is particularly valuable in three situations: for any blood cancer type that is not an acute emergency (CML, CLL, indolent lymphoma, multiple myeloma, MGUS) — time usually allows for a considered second opinion before starting treatment; if molecular or chromosomal testing has not been performed on the bone marrow sample — for CML, myeloma, and high-risk leukaemia, these tests are essential for treatment planning; and if myeloma has been diagnosed and modern combination treatment (VRd plus a targeted antibody) has not been discussed. CION offers a dedicated Second Opinion service.