What Are Leukemia & Lymphoma?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow characterized by the uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, including lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. Together, these blood cancers represent some of the most complex oncological conditions — and Shanghai's hematology centers, particularly Ruijin Hospital, are among the most advanced in the world for their diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary by type but commonly include:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Frequent infections or fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Night sweats
- Bone or joint pain
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin (anemia)
Causes & Risk Factors
- Genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Philadelphia chromosome in CML)
- Prior chemotherapy or radiation exposure
- Immune system disorders or immunosuppression
- Viral infections (EBV, HTLV-1, HIV)
- Family history of blood cancers
- Exposure to certain chemicals (benzene, pesticides)
Diagnosis
Accurate subtyping is critical for treatment planning. Shanghai's hematology teams use:
- Complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear
- Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration — the cornerstone of leukemia diagnosis
- Flow cytometry — to identify cell surface markers and classify lymphoma/leukemia subtypes
- Cytogenetics and FISH — to detect chromosomal abnormalities
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) — for molecular profiling and targeted therapy selection
- PET-CT scan — for lymphoma staging and treatment response assessment
- Lumbar puncture — to check for CNS involvement
Treatment Options
Ruijin Hospital is a national leader in hematological malignancies, offering treatments at the frontier of global oncology:
- Chemotherapy protocols — CHOP, R-CHOP, HyperCVAD, and other regimens tailored by subtype
- Targeted therapy — Imatinib (Gleevec) for CML, Ibrutinib for CLL/MCL, Venetoclax for AML/CLL
- Immunotherapy — Rituximab and other monoclonal antibodies for B-cell lymphomas
- CAR-T cell therapy — Ruijin Hospital is one of China's leading centers for CAR-T, offering this revolutionary treatment for relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma and ALL
- Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) — for eligible patients with high-risk or relapsed disease
- Autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) — for consolidation in certain lymphoma subtypes
- Bispecific antibodies — emerging options for relapsed/refractory disease
Why Treat Blood Cancer in Shanghai?
Shanghai's hematology centers offer a combination of clinical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and cost efficiency that is difficult to match globally:
- Access to CAR-T cell therapy at a fraction of the cost compared to the US or Europe
- Multidisciplinary hematology-oncology tumor boards for complex case review
- High-volume transplant programs with experienced nursing and supportive care teams
- Participation in international clinical trials for novel agents
- Treatment costs typically 50–75% lower than equivalent care in Western countries
Our Specialist
Professor Zhao Weili (赵维莅) — Chief of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Professor Zhao is one of China's foremost authorities on lymphoma and leukemia, with particular expertise in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), T-cell lymphomas, and CAR-T cell therapy. She leads a nationally recognized team and has published extensively in top international journals including Blood and Journal of Clinical Oncology.
How CMCS Can Help
Navigating a blood cancer diagnosis in a foreign country can be overwhelming. China Medical Concierge Shanghai (CMCS) provides end-to-end support — from reviewing your pathology reports and arranging specialist consultations at Ruijin Hospital, to coordinating hospital admission, translation services, and follow-up care planning. We ensure you receive world-class hematological care with full peace of mind.
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