Leukemia at 26 Weeks Pregnant: How Tongji Hospital Saved Both Mother and Baby
Diagnosed with Leukemia While 26 Weeks Pregnant — Doctors Said She Had a Choice to Make
Most oncologists would have told her the same thing: terminate the pregnancy immediately and begin aggressive chemotherapy.
But the 30-year-old woman — who had already lost two pregnancies — refused to accept that her only options were her life or her baby's. She wanted both.
In November 2025, at 26 weeks pregnant, routine blood work revealed devastating abnormalities: hemoglobin at barely 70% of normal, platelets at 60%, and her neutrophil count — the immune cells that fight infection — at just one quarter of the healthy range.
The diagnosis: acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
She was referred to Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan — one of the few institutions in China equipped to attempt what she was asking for.
Why This Case Was Extraordinarily Rare
Leukemia during pregnancy occurs in roughly 1 in 75,000 to 100,000 pregnancies. Managing it is one of the most complex challenges in medicine because the two goals directly conflict:
| Goal | Requirement | Conflict |
|---|---|---|
| Treat the leukemia | Chemotherapy drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells | These same drugs can damage or kill the fetus |
| Protect the pregnancy | Avoid toxic exposures; maintain stable blood counts | Untreated leukemia will deteriorate rapidly, threatening both lives |
| Deliver a healthy baby | Reach at least 34-37 weeks gestation | Chemotherapy side effects may trigger premature labor |
Most hospitals worldwide would not attempt to do all three simultaneously. The medical literature contains very few cases of successful full-term delivery during active leukemia treatment.
The Tongji Hospital Approach
Dr. Hong Zhenya, Chief Physician of Hematology, and Dr. Wu Jianli, Deputy Chief Physician of Obstetrics, co-designed an individualized protocol: simultaneous anti-leukemia treatment and pregnancy preservation.
The chemotherapy regimen:
- Venetoclax (维奈克拉) + Azacitidine (阿扎胞苷)
- This combination was selected specifically because it has a relatively favorable safety profile during pregnancy compared to traditional intensive chemotherapy
- The dosing was carefully calibrated to control the leukemia while minimizing fetal exposure
Comprehensive support included:
- Organ protection protocols to shield the baby from drug toxicity
- Anti-nausea management (critical — severe vomiting can trigger contractions)
- Aggressive anti-infection measures (her immune system was severely compromised)
- Continuous fetal monitoring throughout treatment
- Coordinated planning between hematology, obstetrics, neonatology, and reproductive medicine
The Delivery
On January 27, 2026 — at 37 weeks and 3 days (full term) — the team performed a planned cesarean section.
The result: a healthy baby girl.
Newborn blood work: normal. Growth and development markers: normal. No signs of drug-related damage.
The mother continued her leukemia treatment post-delivery.
What Made This Possible
Three factors came together at Tongji Hospital that most institutions cannot replicate:
1. Multidisciplinary depth
This case required real-time coordination between four departments — hematology, obstetrics, neonatology, and reproductive medicine — not just consultations, but true joint decision-making at every stage.
2. Experience with high-risk hematologic pregnancies
Tongji Hospital's hematology department is one of the largest in Central China, with extensive experience in managing blood cancers alongside complex medical conditions.
3. Willingness to attempt the unconventional
Many hospitals would have followed the standard protocol: terminate and treat. Tongji's team was willing to pursue the harder path because they had the expertise to manage the risks.
Leukemia Treatment Cost: China vs Western Countries
| Treatment Component | China (Tongji Hospital) | United States |
|---|---|---|
| AML induction chemotherapy (per cycle) | $3,000 - $8,000 | $30,000 - $80,000 |
| Venetoclax + Azacitidine (per month) | $1,500 - $3,500 | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Bone marrow biopsy + pathology | $400 - $800 | $3,000 - $8,000 |
| Planned cesarean section | $1,500 - $3,000 | $15,000 - $30,000 |
| NICU (per day, if needed) | $300 - $600 | $3,000 - $10,000 |
| Full treatment course (est. 6 months) | $20,000 - $40,000 | $200,000 - $500,000 |
China prices include hospitalization, medications, monitoring, and delivery.
Who Should Consider Cancer Treatment During Pregnancy in China?
This level of care is relevant for patients facing:
- Newly diagnosed blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma) discovered during pregnancy
- Solid tumors requiring treatment that cannot wait until delivery
- Recurrent pregnancy loss combined with complex medical conditions
- Any scenario requiring multidisciplinary coordination between oncology and obstetrics
If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy, China's top hospitals offer treatment options that many Western centers may not attempt. Explore cancer treatment options →
About Tongji Hospital
Tongji Hospital is one of China's most respected medical institutions:
- Affiliated with Huazhong University of Science and Technology — a top-10 Chinese university
- Hematology department ranked among China's top 10, with extensive bone marrow transplant capability
- Obstetrics department handles some of the most complex high-risk pregnancies in Central China
- Located in Wuhan, with direct international flights from major global cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chemotherapy during pregnancy safe for the baby?
Certain chemotherapy regimens — particularly those used after the first trimester — have been shown to have acceptable safety profiles. The Venetoclax + Azacitidine combination used in this case is among the newer, more targeted options with relatively lower fetal risk. However, every case requires individualized risk assessment.
Can I travel to China for cancer treatment while pregnant?
Yes, but timing is critical. Most airlines restrict travel after 34-36 weeks of pregnancy. Ideally, patients should arrive in China during the second trimester to allow time for treatment planning, chemotherapy cycles, and planned delivery.
What if the baby needs NICU care after delivery?
Tongji Hospital has a full neonatal intensive care unit staffed 24/7. In this case, the baby did not require NICU admission, but the capability was on standby throughout.
How does SinomedTrip support pregnant patients?
We provide family-friendly accommodation near the hospital, coordinate between all treating departments, arrange for bilingual birth support, and ensure continuity of care for both mother and baby throughout the treatment journey.
Facing a complex medical situation during pregnancy? Request a free multidisciplinary consultation →
