Achieves world-class survival outcomes at a fraction of global treatment costs
Gurugram: In a major milestone for Indian healthcare, doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram have reported outstanding success in curing children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) through bone marrow (stem cell) transplantation. The decade-long study positions India among the leading global centres for paediatric stem cell transplant outcomes.
Published in the international journal Haemoglobin, the study analysed 100 paediatric cases treated between 2015 and 2024. It reported an impressive overall survival rate of 87%, with 96% survival in matched sibling donor transplants and 78% in half-matched (haploidentical) family donor transplants — outcomes comparable to the best in the world.
Sickle Cell Disease, a severe inherited blood disorder, affects millions of children worldwide, especially in India and sub-Saharan Africa. Until recently, most treatments focused on symptom relief. Stem cell transplantation offers the only permanent cure, replacing defective marrow with healthy donor stem cells.
Dr. Swati Bhayana, Lead Author and Consultant, Paediatric Haematology, Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Fortis Gurugram, said:
“This is a ray of hope for families battling Sickle Cell Disease. Our findings show that children in developing countries can achieve world-class outcomes when provided timely access to advanced transplant care.”
The study highlights that early diagnosis and early transplantation significantly improve long-term survival by preventing severe complications such as stroke or organ damage. FMRI’s advanced transplant protocols helped reduce side effects and minimize the incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
Dr. Vikas Dua, Principal Consultant & Head of the department, added:
“Many of these children were living with chronic pain, hospitalizations, and transfusion dependence. Today they lead healthy, active lives. Early intervention truly saves lives.”
Significant advances were also noted in haploidentical transplants, which use parental donors when a sibling match is unavailable. Reduced-toxicity conditioning regimens and PTCy-based protocols helped lower complications and expand access to curative therapy.
Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director, Institute of Blood Disorders and Bone Marrow Transplant, said:
“India and Africa bear nearly half of the global SCD burden. By developing safe, cost-effective transplant protocols, we are proving that cutting-edge medical innovation can be accessible and affordable across the developing world.”
Dr. Sohini Chakraborty, Senior Consultant, emphasized the importance of awareness and early intervention:
“With stronger donor registries, improved infection control and better post-transplant care, we are confident that cures for SCD can be made available to children everywhere.”
Mr. Yashpal Rawat, VP & Facility Director, Fortis Gurugram, added:
“Innovation must serve humanity. This breakthrough reflects our commitment to combining world-class medical care with compassion, making advanced treatments accessible across India, Africa and beyond.”
FMRI now stands among the world’s few centres demonstrating long-term, high-success outcomes for paediatric SCD transplants. Continued research and collaboration are expected to expand access to curative treatment globally.
