India’s access to new class of drugs for the treatment of blood cancer like tyrosine kinase inhibitors and proteosome inhibitors are providing relief not just to patients but oncologists too.
On the occasion of the World Cancer Day observed annually on February 4, oncologists are gearing up to do their best for a comfortable and productive post survival phase for patients. This is keeping in sync with this year’s theme ‘Together, it is possible’.
Three blood cancers: leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma which are on the rise globally and in India with a specific T-Lineage sub-type prevalence of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), new drugs from pharma companies, treatment protocols extended by oncologists offer a complete change in the management of blood cancers. It is the combined effort from drug companies to cancer care centres together with the cooperation of the patient which helps to bring respite, Dr Sunil Dabadghao, senior consultant, Clinical Immunology and Haematology, Sahara Hospital, Lucknow told Pharmabiz in an email interaction.
Most blood cancers can be treated effectively with proper chemotherapy. Even the chronic leukaemia and myeloma can have good survival chances with oral chemotherapeutic agents.
Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and stem cell transplants too are proving beneficial. The coming together of medico-scientists, onco specialists and cancer patients are now viewed as positive factors to create the environment of confidence to cure the dreaded disease, stated Dr Dharma R Choudhary, Consultant & HOD (Haematology and BMT department), Dr B L Kapur Memorial Hospital, New Delhi.
Patients in India are not deprived of the latest developments. The number of centres offering bone marrow transplantation is on the rise. An increasing number of oncology care facilities like the Christian Medical College, Vellore and AIIMS, New Delhi offer haematology specializations. Many practising haematologists in India have also been trained abroad which has certainly improved the standards in developed countries, pointed out a team of experts.
In the fight against cancer, we need the combined effort of the patient and the physician. People are willing to give up habits leading to cancer like tobacco smoking and chewing, and opt for healthy lifestyle practices and undergo early screening. Support groups and family members of cancer patients are keen to spread awareness and assist victims. Medical fraternity is also now involved in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients. The government is also working to implement beneficiary programmes for the welfare of cancer patients. If all are together for one cause, then eradication of cancer is possible, stated Dr Nirmala S, Radiation Oncologist, BGS Global Hospitals.
Despite the access to advanced drugs, the big challenge is the affordability to treatment. Optimum management of blood cancers happens at considerable expense. In India, 90 per cent of its population has no reimbursement or insurance. Therefore managing the patient’s condition within the range of his financial capacity is tough for the physician to treat, stated Dr Dabadghao.