BENGALURU, May 26, 2025 — A gradual but consistent uptick in cases of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a pre-leukaemic hematologic disorder, is being observed across India, primarily due to an ageing population, according to leading oncologists. MDS is a cluster of bone marrow-related anomalies wherein the body produces malfunctioning or immature blood cells, often leading to fatigue, susceptibility to infections, and excessive bruising or bleeding.
Ahead of World Blood Cancer Day, Dr. Radheshyam Naik, noted Hematologist and Medical Oncologist at Sammprada Multi-speciality Hospital, Bengaluru, stated: “MDS is fundamentally a genetic alteration in blood-forming cells. With India’s median age rising, we are registering more such diagnoses. Lifestyle factors like increased tobacco use are aggravating the trend.”
He further noted that cancer survivors who previously underwent aggressive treatments—chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy—are now more prone to developing MDS and its aggressive form, Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), as secondary malignancies. “While MDS is incurable, symptom control and progression delay are possible with current medical protocols,” he said.
Dr. Naik also raised concern about a marked rise in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), a malignancy of lymphatic tissue, affecting individuals across age brackets in India. “Though the precise etiology remains unidentified, the surge is significant,” he observed.
However, advancements in oncology offer new hope. “Innovations such as immunotherapy—including checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell treatments—are revolutionizing care by empowering the immune system to combat malignant cells. Targeted therapies, like antibody-drug conjugates and hormone-based treatments, are delivering precision treatment with fewer side effects,” Dr. Naik explained.
He also highlighted promising developments in radiation oncology, including proton beam therapy and hyperthermia, as well as the life-saving role of bone marrow transplants.
India currently ranks third globally in blood cancer prevalence, accounting for 70,000 to 80,000 fatalities annually. The most common types include leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Experts stress that early diagnosis via a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is crucial to improving survival rates.
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