Bengaluru hospital saves pregnant Kenyan woman battling rare blood cancer

Bengaluru: Doctors at a private hospital in Bengaluru have successfully treated a 32-year-old pregnant woman from Kenya who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer, hospital authorities said.

The woman, who was 15 weeks into her pregnancy, was admitted after suffering from persistent tiredness, unexplained bleeding and intense pain in her right leg. Further investigations revealed that she was suffering from Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment.

Explaining the complexity of the case, Dr Niti Raizada, principal director of Medical Oncology and Hemato-Oncology at Fortis Hospital on Bannerghatta Road, said the patient was in a critical state due to the high-risk nature of the disease, pregnancy-related challenges and extensive deep vein thrombosis.

Despite the risks, the medical team began internationally recognised induction therapy for APL under strict monitoring. The treatment was supported by antibiotics, blood thinners and multiple blood and platelet transfusions to stabilise her condition.

A multidisciplinary team involving specialists from hematology, vascular surgery, cardiopulmonary medicine and obstetrics worked round the clock to manage complications. After nearly six weeks of intensive care and treatment, the woman achieved complete remission and was discharged in a stable condition, with doctors outlining a detailed follow-up plan.

(with inputs from agencies)