Blood cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled growth of blood cells that originates in the bone marrow, where blood cell production takes place. As a result, the normal functions of blood cells—such as carrying oxygen, fighting infection, and supporting blood clotting—are disrupted due to the accumulation of abnormal cells that interfere with healthy blood cell function.
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Types of Blood Cancer
Below are several types of blood cancer:
1. Leukemia
- A cancer that begins in the bone marrow and spreads into the bloodstream.
- Commonly involves immature white blood cells that are unable to function normally.
- One of the most common types of blood cancer, especially in children.
2. Lymphoma
- A cancer of the lymphatic system (lymph nodes and lymph vessels) that originates from lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
- May cause lumps or swelling in lymph nodes or other organs.
3. Myeloma
- A cancer that attacks plasma cells found in the bone marrow.
- Normal plasma cells that produce antibodies to fight infection and disease are replaced by abnormal plasma cells that produce abnormal proteins, which accumulate in the body.
Causes of Blood Cancer
Blood cancer begins when mutations occur in the DNA of blood cells, causing the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. As a result, normal blood cells are replaced by abnormal cells, leading to the loss of vital blood functions.
Factors that may increase the risk of blood cancer include:
- Increasing age
- Smoking habits
- History of previous cancer treatment
- Genetic factors or certain inherited disorders
- Exposure to harmful chemicals such as benzene
Symptoms of Blood Cancer
Symptoms of blood cancer are often mild and may resemble those of other illnesses.
Common symptoms of blood cancer include:
- Easy fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever or night sweats
- Bone or joint pain.
Blood Cancer Treatment
Treatment for blood cancer is tailored to the type of cancer, disease severity, patient age, and overall health condition. The main goals of treatment are to stop cancer cell growth, reduce symptoms, and improve patient survival.
1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses specific drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be administered through infusion, injection, or oral tablets. These medications may also affect healthy cells, causing side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue. However, these effects are generally temporary and improve after treatment is completed.
2. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. In blood cancer, radiation therapy is not typically used as a primary treatment, but rather as an adjunct therapy to shrink swollen lymph nodes or to prepare patients for bone marrow transplantation.
3. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy works more specifically by attacking certain parts of cancer cells without causing extensive damage to healthy cells. This treatment generally has fewer side effects than chemotherapy and is commonly used for certain types of blood cancer with specific genetic characteristics.
4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy aims to help the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. In some conditions, the immune system cannot distinguish cancer cells from normal cells. Immunotherapy strengthens the body’s immune response so it can naturally attack cancer cells. This method is more commonly used in lymphoma and certain types of leukemia.
Prevention of Blood Cancer
To date, blood cancer cannot be completely prevented because its exact cause is still not fully understood. However, several preventive measures can be taken to reduce risk, support early detection, and prevent the condition from becoming more severe:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Undergoing regular health check-ups
- Supporting and maintaining immune system health
- Being alert to early symptoms
- Avoiding exposure to harmful substances.
KHOM Medical Team at Mandaya Blood Cancer Center
A Consultant in Hematology and Medical Oncology (KHOM), also known as a blood cancer specialist, is a physician with specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating blood disorders, including blood cancer. To provide comprehensive and integrated blood cancer care, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is supported by five experienced KHOM specialists who are ready to manage various conditions such as Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma.
Below are the five KHOM specialists at the Mandaya Blood Cancer Center:
1. dr. Toman T.J. Lumban Toruan, Sp.PD-KHOM
dr. Toman T.J. Lumban Toruan, Sp.PD-KHOM is an internal medicine specialist with advanced expertise in Hematology and Medical Oncology. He completed his medical education at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, followed by internal medicine specialization at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. He also participated in an observership program at the Department of Hematology, National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore.
In daily practice, dr. Toman manages patients using various modern treatment approaches, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and apheresis for certain blood disorders.
Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Tuesday: 12.00 – 15.00 WIB
- Thursday: 12.00 – 15.00 WIB
2. dr. Alvin Tagor Harahap, Sp.PD-KHOM
dr. Alvin Tagor Harahap, Sp.PD-KHOM is an internal medicine specialist with advanced expertise in Hematology and Medical Oncology. He completed both his general medical education and specialist training at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia. He has extensive experience in managing various types of blood cancer and other blood disorders using a comprehensive medical approach.
Services provided include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and apheresis, tailored to each patient’s condition and needs.
Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Wednesday: 18.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Saturday: 10.00 – 12.00 WIB
3. Prof. DR. Aru W. Sudoyo, Sp.PD-KHOM, FINASIM, FACP
Prof. DR. Aru W. Sudoyo, Sp.PD-KHOM, FINASIM, FACP is one of Indonesia’s leading experts in blood disorders and cancer. He completed his medical education, internal medicine specialization, and Hematology–Medical Oncology consultancy at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, and earned his doctoral degree from the same institution.
Prof. Aru is widely recognized for his contributions to the development of cancer services in Indonesia. His expertise includes modern cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and CAR-T cell therapy.
Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
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Wednesday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
4. Dr. dr. Andree Kurniawan, Sp.PD-KHOM, FINASIM
Dr. dr. Andree Kurniawan, Sp.PD-KHOM, FINASIM is an internal medicine specialist with advanced expertise in Hematology and Medical Oncology, experienced in treating blood cancer and various blood disorders. He is proficient in multiple treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
In his practice, Dr. Andree prioritizes a personalized approach tailored to each patient’s condition and needs to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Monday: 17.00 – 19.00 WIB
- Thursday: 17.00 – 19.00 WIB
5. dr. Nia Noviantri Siregar, Sp.PD, Subsp. H-Onk.M (K)
dr. Nia Noviantri Siregar, Sp.PD, Subsp. H-Onk.M (K) is an internal medicine specialist with subspecialty expertise in Hematology and Medical Oncology. She has extensive experience in managing blood cancer and complex blood disorders. dr. Nia utilizes various modern treatment methods, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, with a comprehensive approach aligned with the latest medical advancements.
Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Tuesday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Friday: 17.00 – 20.00 WIB
Facilities at Mandaya Blood Cancer Center
Mandaya Blood Cancer Center at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides comprehensive medical services and facilities to support blood cancer treatment. All facilities are designed to ensure accurate diagnosis, optimal treatment, and holistic patient recovery.
1. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT)
HSCT is one of the flagship services at the Mandaya Blood Cancer Center. This procedure replaces damaged bone marrow caused by blood cancer with healthy stem cells, allowing blood cell production to gradually recover and improve patients’ quality of life.
2. ICIR/PICIR Facilities (Immunocompromised Room)
To support the success of HSCT procedures, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides ICIR/PICIR facilities—specialized care rooms for blood cancer patients with weakened immune systems. These rooms are designed to reduce infection risk during treatment and recovery.
3. Irradiated Blood Transfusion
The Mandaya Blood Cancer Center offers irradiated blood transfusion services to prevent serious complications such as Transfusion-Associated Graft-Versus-Host Disease (TA-GvHD). This service is essential for patients who have undergone stem cell transplantation or have severely compromised immune systems.
4. Comprehensive Systemic Therapy
Blood cancer management at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is supported by a full range of treatment options, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy. Treatment selection is tailored to the type of blood cancer, disease severity, and each patient’s overall health condition.
5. Digital PET/CT Scan
To support diagnosis, cancer staging, and treatment monitoring, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri utilizes Digital PET/CT Scan technology. This examination allows doctors to visualize the location and spread of cancer cells more clearly and accurately.
6. Flow Cytometry Examination
The Mandaya Blood Cancer Center provides flow cytometry testing as part of advanced laboratory diagnostics. This test analyzes blood cancer cell characteristics in detail and helps doctors monitor patient response to ongoing treatment.
7. Apheresis Services
As part of blood cancer care, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers apheresis procedures to separate or reduce abnormal blood components, such as excessive white blood cells in leukemia patients. This procedure helps regulate blood composition according to patient needs and control symptoms more rapidly.
Mandaya–NUH Singapore Collaboration for More Precise Blood Cancer Care
Mandaya Blood Cancer Center at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri collaborates with the National Cancer Institute Singapore–National University Hospital (NCIS–NUH Singapore) to deliver more precise and personalized blood cancer care. Through this collaboration, patient cases are jointly discussed by the medical teams at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri and experts from NCIS–NUH Singapore in cross-border medical conferences, ensuring comprehensive evaluation.
This collaboration assists doctors in determining diagnoses, selecting treatment plans, and deciding the most appropriate therapy methods for each patient. Patients also have the opportunity to obtain second opinions directly from internationally experienced blood cancer specialists.
Erwin Suyanto, Public Relation Manager of Mandaya Hospital Group, stated that the establishment of the Mandaya Blood Cancer Center reflects Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri’s commitment to providing comprehensive cancer services integrated with world-class cancer centers. Cross-country medical discussions enable more accurate therapy recommendations, continuously improving the quality of blood cancer care.
With comprehensive medical facilities and close collaboration with NCIS–NUH Singapore, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri continues to strengthen its role as a leading cancer referral hospital in Indonesia, offering internationally standardized blood cancer treatment services.
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