In a landmark achievement, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC) successfully conducted North Maharashtra's first T-Cell Replete Haploidentical (Half-Match) Stem Cell Transplant. The groundbreaking procedure was performed on a 9-year-old girl from Tanzania who had been battling sickle cell anaemia since she was six months old. After being turned away by several hospitals due to the high risks involved, the girl's family finally found hope at HCGMCC, where Dr. Priyatesh Dwivedi and his skilled Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) team carried out the life-saving operation without complications.

Haploidentical stem cell transplants involve using stem cells from a donor who is only a partial genetic match, typically a close family member. In this case, the donor was the young girl's brother. While such transplants come with significant risks—particularly the danger of graft rejection and primary graft failure—Dr. Dwivedi's expertise and an innovative transplant protocol ensured the success of the complex procedure.

"Performing North Maharashtra's first successful half-match stem cell transplant not only brings hope to families battling genetic disorders like sickle cell anaemia but also solidifies HCGMCC's position as a leader in high-risk medical procedures," said Dr. Raj Nagarkar, MD & Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services at HCGMCC.

Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic disorder in which red blood cells become abnormally rigid and sickle-shaped, causing pain, blocked blood flow, and potential organ damage. The condition is inherited when both parents pass on an abnormal haemoglobin S gene, making effective treatments crucial for those affected.

This successful transplant marks a significant step forward in the treatment of sickle cell anaemia and reinforces HCGMCC's commitment to pioneering medical innovations for patients in need of advanced care.