Manipal’s Kasturba Hospital Leads with Graft Manipulated Half-Matched Bone Marrow Transplant
Manipal, August 26, 2023: In a medical breakthrough, a one-year-old toddler has been successfully treated for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, a challenging type of immunodeficiency disorder, through Graft Manipulated Half-Matched Bone Marrow Transplantation at Kasturba Hospital in Manipal.
The Kasturba Hospital’s Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology played a pivotal role in the treatment of this young patient.
After being diagnosed with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, commonly known as “Bubble Boy Disease,” the child was referred for a life-changing bone marrow transplant. The medical team’s ingenuity came into play when they opted for a half-matched bone marrow transplant, an innovative technique that allowed for the child’s father to serve as the donor.
Dr. Archana M V, Assistant Professor in the Division, explained that due to the child’s critical condition with a severe tubercular infection, standard treatment options like chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drugs were not viable. To overcome this challenge, the medical team employed a stem cell graft manipulation technique known as TCR Alpha Beta depletion. This cutting-edge approach ensured a smoother transplant process and reduced potential side effects, according to a press statement.
The bone marrow transplantation was carried out in the specialized Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) unit at the hospital. Following a successful procedure, the young patient was discharged after six weeks in a stable condition. Today, one year after the transformative half-matched bone marrow transplant, the toddler is not only free from the disease but also infection-free.
Dr. Vasudeva Bhat K, Division In-charge, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating that this procedure marks the first successful T cell-depleted haploidentical bone marrow transplant in the coastal region. This breakthrough widens the scope of bone marrow transplantation to patients without fully matched donors, offering hope to those previously deemed ineligible for such treatments.
Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, praised the dedicated efforts of the medical teams from the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, the Blood Bank, and nursing services. Their combined expertise and teamwork have resulted in a remarkable success story, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical possibilities and saving lives.
