Delhi: Safdarjung Hospital performs first successful paediatric bone marrow transplant

Safdarjung Hospital, a Centre-run facility, has successfully performed its first paediatric bone marrow transplant on a nine-year-old child suffering from lymphoma, a cancer affecting the lymphatic system, which is crucial for the body’s immune response.

The procedure was conducted by doctors at the Paediatric Hematology Oncology (PHO) Division of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital (SJH).

Dr Ratan Gupta, head of the Department of Paediatrics at Safdarjung Hospital, explained that the child had been diagnosed with high-risk relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma and was initially treated two years ago with medication and chemotherapy. Although the child was cured, the disease relapsed after one year, prompting another round of chemotherapy and ultimately a bone marrow transplant, which is the definitive treatment for such cases.

Since the BMT unit was established in 2021, only adult transplants had been performed until this paediatric procedure, Dr Gupta said.

The transplant was performed free of charge. In contrast, the cost at a private hospital would range from Rs 10 to 12 lakh, according to Dr Gupta.

Dr Prashant Prabhakar, assistant professor in the Department of Paediatrics, led the procedure. He has specialized training in paediatric oncology and bone marrow transplants from AIIMS, Delhi. The transplant was autologous, meaning the patient’s own stem cells were extracted and cryo-preserved. After high-dose chemotherapy, the stem cells were re-infused into the patient.

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The procedure took place on August 2, and following successful engraftment, the child was discharged on September 7. The patient will remain under close observation for the next two months, Dr Prabhakar mentioned.

This success is a result of the dedicated bone marrow transplant unit established in 2021 under the leadership of Director General Dr Atul Goel. The accomplishment paves the way for more children needing BMT who cannot afford the procedure elsewhere, added Dr Vandana Talwar, Medical Superintendent.

Dr Gupta affirmed that the hospital’s administration and medical team are committed to continuing this critical service under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. (With inputs from PTI)