Cancer is a multifaceted disease that has the potential to affect millions of people. Despite traditional treatments like bone marrow transplants, several other advancements in treatment, like CAR T-cell therapy, are also available.
We were delighted to have Dr. Satyendra Katewa, a director and head of the bone marrow transplant and cell therapies department at Sanar Shalby Hospital, Gurugram. He shared valuable insight about cancer and its treatment options.
Highlights of the session
Dr. Satyendra Katewa began his session by giving us a clear and informative explanation of cancer biology. He also explained how genetic mutation can transform normal cells into cancerous cells.
Cancer is not a single disease but a group of diseases that can affect several parts of the human body. With millions of new cases diagnosed annually, it has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
One of the key topics discussed was bone marrow transplant. A bone marrow transplant involves replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor, helping the body produce healthy blood cells again.
He also highlighted the two primary types of bone marrow transplants:
- Autologous Transplants: use of the patient’s stem cells.
- Allogeneic Transplants: use of stem cells from a compatible donor.
HLA Typing and Its Importance
Dr. Satyendra Katewa also briefly explained the importance of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, a test used to match patients with compatible stem cell donors. Accurate HLA typing can reduce the risk of transplant rejection, thus increasing the chances of successful results.
Then, he also made us understand the different types of allogenic transplants, like matched sibling donor transplants, unrelated (matched donor) transplants, and haploidentical transplants. Additionally, MUD means matched unrelated donors can also be taken if matched donors are not available.
Also, read about HLA Typing.
GVHD (Graft-Versus-Host Disease)
Then, he discussed one of the potential complications of allogeneic bone marrow transplants: Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD). He mentioned that GVHD is a significant concern, and if patients take immunosuppressive drugs and follow the doctor’s instructions, it can help mitigate the risk.
Innovative Treatment Options and Advances in Cancer Care
In this session, the doctor also shifted our focus to advanced treatment options as alternatives to traditional ones. Also, modern cancer treatments are becoming more personalized, allowing doctors to tailor treatments based on the patient’s genetic makeup and cancer type.
He also mentioned the growing role of medical tourism in enabling access to advanced cancer treatments. A large number of patients travel to different countries.
Medsurge India, a leading medical tourism company, is dedicated to providing treatments that can help patients worldwide. From arranging travel and accommodation to connecting patients with the best oncologists, Medsurge India ensures a smooth experience for international medical travellers.
The most interesting part of the session was when he answered all of our questions very enthusiastically and solved our doubts more simply.
Conclusion
We would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Satyendra Katewa for sharing his expertise and making this session so engaging. It was an eye-opener for all participants, reinforcing the importance of choosing the right treatment for cancer patients and exploring all available options for bone marrow transplants.
“Gene therapies like CRISPR are still being tested and aren’t available yet, but many believe it could be a promising treatment in the future to help cure patients.” ~ Mr. Dushyant Magu, the founder of Medsurge India.
