Lymphoma pathways
Chemo-immunotherapy regimens tailored to Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin subtypes, with PET-guided decisions when appropriate.
7 min read
Blood cancer care: lymphoma, myeloma, and leukaemia pathways
Blood cancers affect the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. Dr. Dhar reviews blood counts, pathology, and staging to guide personalised treatment for lymphoma, leukaemia, and multiple myeloma.
What are blood cancers?
Blood cancers include leukaemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. They begin in blood-forming cells or immune cells and can present with fatigue, infections, swollen nodes, bone pain, or abnormal blood counts.
Treatment may involve chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, steroids, or combinations — chosen based on exact subtype, genetics, and how aggressive the disease is.
Clear communication matters. These diagnoses move quickly, and families need to understand urgency, options, and what the next few weeks will look like.
Symptoms that may appear
- Persistent fatigue or unexplained weakness
- Frequent or unusual infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin
- Night sweats, unexplained fever, or weight loss
- Bone pain or anaemia-related symptoms
Symptoms overlap with many non-cancer conditions. Abnormal blood reports or persistent symptoms deserve specialist review.
When to consult
- Abnormal CBC, peripheral smear, or bone marrow report
- Suspected or confirmed lymphoma, leukaemia, or myeloma
- Rapidly enlarging nodes or constitutional symptoms
- Need for a second opinion on an induction or relapse plan
- Questions about targeted therapy or immunotherapy options
Diagnosis and work-up
- 01Complete blood count and peripheral smear
- 02Lymph node or bone marrow biopsy when indicated
- 03Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry
- 04Cytogenetics and molecular tests for subtype
- 05PET-CT or CT staging for lymphomas
- 06Protein electrophoresis and light-chain tests for myeloma
QUICK CHECK
Does this apply to you?
Use this to prepare for your visit — not as a self-diagnosis.
Select anything that applies — then book a visit to review reports together.
Book appointmentTreatment approaches
Plans are subtype-specific. The right protocol depends on pathology, genetics, age, and fitness.
Leukaemia care
Induction and consolidation strategies guided by lineage, genetics, and measurable residual disease when available.
Myeloma treatment
Combinations of proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, antibodies, and steroids based on disease burden.
Supportive care
Infection prevention, transfusion support, growth factors, and symptom management alongside active therapy.
Care, step by step
01
Urgent clarity
Reports are reviewed to confirm subtype and decide how quickly treatment should start.
What to prepare and expect
- Bring CBC, smear, biopsy, and imaging CDs or reports
- List infections, fevers, and bleeding episodes
- Share comorbidities and current medicines
- Ask who in the family should join key discussions
Frequently asked questions
Lymphomas usually start in lymph nodes or lymphoid tissue. Leukaemias typically arise in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood. Exact subtype determines treatment.
Some blood cancers need treatment within days; others allow more time for staging. Urgency is based on subtype, blood counts, and symptoms — your oncologist will explain the timeline.
Not always. Transplant is considered for selected high-risk or relapsed cases. Many patients are treated effectively with chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy alone.
Many lymphomas and some leukaemias are curable. Myeloma is often highly controllable as a chronic disease. Outcomes depend on subtype, genetics, and response to therapy.
LET'S TAKE THE NEXT STEPYour care deserves
Your care deserves
a conversation.
Share a few details and the clinic team will help arrange a consultation with Dr. Dhar. Prefer to talk now? Reach the appointment desk directly.
ClinicMarengo Asia HospitalsGurugram, HaryanaGet directions