Blood Cancer

Blood cancers — including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma — affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. While the primary treatment is chemotherapy coordinated with haematologists, radiation therapy plays a critical supportive and curative role in several blood cancers. Dr. Jaura provides expert radiation oncology services for these conditions.

Types of Blood Cancer

Warning Signs

• Unexplained fatigue, weakness, or paleness (anaemia)
• Frequent infections or persistent fever
• Easy bruising or unexplained bleeding
• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in neck, armpit, or groin
• Night sweats — drenching and unexplained
• Unexplained weight loss (more than 10% in 6 months)
• Bone pain, especially in the back and ribs (in myeloma)
• Abdominal fullness or pain (enlarged spleen or liver)

Role of Radiation Therapy

1. Involved-Site Radiation Therapy (ISRT) for Lymphoma

For Hodgkin lymphoma and certain NHL subtypes, radiation is given to previously involved lymph node regions after chemotherapy. Modern ISRT with IMRT delivers radiation precisely to the involved sites, significantly reducing the radiation volume and long-term side effects. ISRT after 2–4 cycles of chemotherapy offers excellent cure rates — above 90% in early Hodgkin lymphoma.

2. Total Body Irradiation (TBI)

TBI is given as preparation before bone marrow or stem cell transplant in leukemia and lymphoma patients. It eradicates residual cancer cells and suppresses the immune system to allow donor marrow engraftment. Performed as fractionated TBI over 3–4 days.

3. Palliative Radiation for Bone Lesions (Myeloma)

Multiple myeloma commonly causes painful bone lesions. Short courses of palliative radiation (typically 5–8 sessions) provide rapid and dramatic pain relief and prevent fractures in weight-bearing bones.

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