Sickle cell treatment: A decade-long review from Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) has reported strong outcomes with bone marrow (stem cell) transplants in treating children with sickle cell disease (SCD), placing India among the leading centres for paediatric transplants. The study, published in the journal Haemoglobin, analysed 100 paediatric cases treated between 2015 and 2024.
FMRI recorded an overall survival of nearly 87%, with a 96% success rate in matched sibling donor transplants and 78% in half-matched (haploidentical) family donor procedures, figures the hospital said rank among the best reported globally. Researchers attributed the results to early diagnosis, timely transplantation, and advanced protocols designed to reduce side effects and lower the risk of graft-versus-host disease, including reduced-toxicity conditioning and post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy).
Also Read | Six crore people screened for sickle cell disease: Health Ministry
“This is a ray of hope for families living with SCD,” said lead author Dr Swati Bhayana, consultant, paediatric haematology, oncology and bone marrow transplant at Fortis Gurugram. “Children in developing countries can achieve survival rates comparable to the best centres when given timely access to advanced care.”
SCD, highly prevalent in India and sub-Saharan Africa, causes severe anaemia, pain crises, stroke, organ damage and shortened life expectancy. Until recently, treatment focused on symptom control with medicines and transfusions. Stem cell transplantation replaces defective marrow with healthy donor cells and can offer a permanent cure when performed before major complications set in.
“Many of these children were living with pain, repeated hospitalisations and transfusions. Today, they are leading healthy, active lives,” said Dr Vikas Dua, head of paediatric haematology, oncology and bone marrow transplant. Principal director Dr Rahul Bhargava said the centre’s cost-effective, scalable protocols aim to expand access beyond high-income settings: “India and Africa carry nearly half the world’s SCD burden. Cutting-edge care shouldn’t be limited to the developed world.”
Senior consultant Dr Sohini Chakraborty said improved donor registries, infection control and post-transplant care are critical to increasing cure rates. At the same time, Fortis Gurugram VP and facility director Yashpal Rawat called the results a step toward making lifesaving treatments more affordable for families in India, Africa and beyond.