Delhi hospital successfully treats child suffering from rare bone cancer through stem cell transplant

Doctors at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Delhi, have successfully treated an eight-year-old boy suffering from a rare and aggressive childhood cancer, Ewing’s Sarcoma, through a stem cell transplant.

According to the hospital, the child was diagnosed with relapsed Ewing’s Sarcoma, a cancer that affects bones and soft tissues, with the tumour spreading to the chest wall and mediastinum — the central part of the chest containing the heart and major blood vessels. The tumour’s location made surgical intervention extremely challenging.

The patient had initially undergone chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy at another centre after being diagnosed with a chest wall tumour. However, the cancer relapsed a year later. Three years on, he arrived at Madhukar Rainbow with a large mediastinal mass.

“After thorough evaluation, the medical team devised a treatment plan that included salvage chemotherapy, followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and targeted radiation therapy,” a senior doctor said. “Despite residual tumour before the transplant, the team proceeded with HSCT when the child was 10 years old, resulting in significant tumour shrinkage and, ultimately, complete recovery.”

Following the transplant, targeted radiation and oral maintenance therapy led to the complete disappearance of the tumour. “Today, he is thriving with no evidence of disease — a heartening success story that underscores the power of coordinated care, clinical excellence, and compassionate healing,” the doctor added.

Dr Nandini Choudhury Hazarika, Consultant – Medical Oncology at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, described the case as one of the most complex and high-risk they have encountered. “Ewing’s Sarcoma relapse is extremely tough, and the tumour’s proximity to critical structures made it even more challenging,” she said.

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“With careful planning and the family’s trust, we pursued an aggressive yet balanced treatment strategy. The child’s remarkable resilience and recovery reflect teamwork and expertise in paediatric oncology care. For us, seeing him cancer-free is not just a medical achievement but an emotional victory,” Dr Hazarika added.

About Ewing’s Sarcoma

Ewing’s Sarcoma is a rare cancer that primarily affects children and teenagers between 10 and 20 years of age, accounting for only 1–2% of childhood cancers in India. It is particularly difficult to treat when it relapses. This recovery marks a milestone in paediatric oncology, showcasing the role of advanced therapies and collaborative care in improving outcomes for young patients.