In a first, the Department of Medical Oncology of S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) conducted Pediatric Autologous Stem Cell transplant of a five-year-old child suffering from Neuroblastoma.

“The five-year-old patient hailing from Rafiabad Baramulla post chemotherapy re-assessment showed partial remission and was subsequently planned for autologous stem cell transplant,” Dr Huma first female oncologist at SKIMS, who conducted the procedure, said the patient has completed 100 days post-transplant without any complication. Stem cell transplant is performed in patients suffering from blood related diseases such as Multiple Myeloma, Neuroblastoma, leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma.

"In an autologous transplant, stem cells are collected from the patient themselves, harvested, frozen and stored, then given back to the patient after intensive therapy," she explained. Dr Sheikh Aijaz Aziz Head of the Department (HOD), Medical Oncology said in its concerted effort to provide major patient care facilities to patients suffering from life threatening diseases conducted first pediatric stem cell transplant successfully. “We have state of the art set up available for such patients who otherwise have to go outside for such treatments,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director SKIMS Dr Omar Javed Shah lauded the department for conducting the procedure. “Such procedures and treatment facility available at SKIMS provide major relief to patient who otherwise has to go outside state and pay exorbitant rates for such procedures,” he added.