A Decade-long Study by FMRIG Reveals a Breakthrough in Treating Children with Sickle Cell Disease by Stem Cell Transplantation

News Desk, News Nation 360 : In a landmark development for Indian healthcare, doctors at FMRI, Gurugram, have reported exceptional success in curing children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) through Bone Marrow (stem cell) transplantation, putting India among the leading nations in advanced paediatric transplant outcomes. Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood ailment that affects millions of children around the world, with India and Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for roughly half of all instances. The illness causes severe anaemia, recurring pain crises, stroke, organ damage, and a reduced life expectancy. To date, therapeutic options have been essentially restricted to symptom management with drugs and blood transfusions. Stem cell transplantation (also known as bone marrow transplant) replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a matched donor, providing a lasting cure. The decade-long study, published in the international journal Haemoglobin, examined 100 paediatric cases treated from 2015 to 2024. The findings show an overall survival rate of approximately 87%, with 96% success in matched sibling donor transplants and 78% success in half-matched (haploidentical) family donor transplants. These findings are among the best recorded worldwide, indicating substantial progress in the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease in underdeveloped countries. The study found that early diagnosis and prompt transplantation are crucial for long-term survival. Performing the surgery before the development of severe problems, such as stroke or organ damage, significantly improves results. The Fortis team achieved these results by implementing improved transplant techniques that minimise side effects and lower the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a common post-transplant complication. Dr Swati Bhayana, Lead Author of the study and Consultant, Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Fortis Gurugram, stated that this is a beam of hope for families dealing with Sickle Cell Disease. Their research demonstrates that when children in underdeveloped nations such as India and Africa have timely access to modern care, their survival rates can be equivalent to those in the finest institutions worldwide. These findings demonstrate that cures are achievable, even in resource-limited environments.

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