Sickle Cell Disease, a hereditary blood disorder prevalent in India and sub-Saharan Africa, leads to severe anemia, pain crises, and organ complications. Stem cell transplantation replaces the patient’s defective bone marrow with healthy stem cells, offering the only curative treatment currently available.
In a remarkable leap for Indian healthcare, a team of doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, has achieved outstanding success in curing children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) through bone marrow (stem cell) transplantation. This landmark achievement positions India among the global leaders in advanced pediatric transplant outcomes.
A decade-long study conducted by FMRI, recently published in the international journal Haemoglobin, analyzed 100 pediatric SCD cases treated between 2015 and 2024. The study reported an overall survival rate of 87%, including
- 96% success rate for matched sibling donor transplants
- 78% for half-matched (haploidentical) family donor transplants
The FMRI team highlighted that early diagnosis and timely transplantation are crucial for long-term survival. Their approach using reduced-toxicity conditioning and post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) protocols has significantly lowered the risk of graft-versus-host disease and improved safety, even in resource-limited settings.
Many of the children treated are now living healthy, active lives, free from pain and transfusion dependency. According to FMRI, these results underscore India’s growing capability to deliver world-class, affordable healthcare and bring new hope to families across India, Africa, and beyond.
A hospital spokesperson noted that this milestone reflects FMRI’s mission to blend medical innovation with compassion, expanding access to cutting-edge transplant care for children worldwide.
This success marks a defining moment in India’s fight against Sickle Cell Disease and reinforces FMRI Gurugram’s position as a pioneer in pediatric bone marrow transplantation.
Also Read:- Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment Cost In India
