Despite the unimaginable grief, his wife made the courageous and selfless decision to donate all his organs, duly supported by her family and counseling team. The liver and both kidneys were retrieved and allocated by NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization), while the heart and lungs were deemed unfit for transplant. The liver was transplanted into a 61-year-old male, and one kidney into a 52-year-old male, both at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka. The second kidney was transplanted into a 59-year-old female at another private hospital in Delhi.

Dr. Shrikanth Srinivasan, Chairman, Manipal Institute of Critical Care Medicine, “Despite the best efforts of the treating team, the patient’s condition did not improve and was declared brain dead on 12^th May 2025. Despite the profound loss, the family made the courageous decision to donate his organs, offering a gift of life to those in need. Their strength and compassion in such a difficult time is truly inspiring and serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one life can have on many.”

Dr. (Col) Avnish Seth VSM, Head, Manipal Organ Sharing & Transplant (MOST), said, “Organ donation should be an essential component of end-of-life care. Only if the family is fully convinced that their loved one succumbed despite the best possible treatment, will they consider doing something for others. Trust is an important component. Transparency in the allocation of organs as per the waiting list, like it is being done in our country by NOTTO, gives a lot of confidence to the family to arrive at the correct decision. This altruistic gesture by the family has saved three lives, and this is the true spirit of humanity. He will live on.”

There remains a wide gap between patients who need transplants and the organs that are available in India. Around 1.8 lakh people suffer from kidney failure every year, however, only 13,426 kidney transplants were performed in 2023. An estimated 25,000 to 30,000 liver transplants are needed annually in India, but only 4491 were performed in 2023. Similarly, out of several thousand people suffering from heart failure, only 221 received a heart transplant. In the case of corneas, about 25,000 transplants are performed annually against a requirement of 1 lakh.

This noble act of organ donation highlights the pressing need for organ donations in India, as there is a significant disparity between patients awaiting transplants and the availability of organs. Increasing awareness and participation in organ donation can bridge this gap and offer hope to countless lives in need. 

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The program, to be held once every three months, aims to create a platform for open dialogue, shared experiences, and expert medical insights. The inaugural session was successfully conducted last Saturday and witnessed the participation of over 40 families. This strong turnout underlines the growing need for holistic, community-based care alongside medical treatment for end-stage liver disease patients.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Prashanth N, CEO – Aster Hospitals, Karnataka Cluster, said, “We’re incredibly proud to introduce the Support Group System at Aster RV. This initiative reflects our belief that healing extends beyond hospital walls. By bringing together patients, families, and our dedicated ILC team, we’re creating a circle of care that offers strength, education, and emotional support. The enthusiastic participation in our first session confirms that such platforms are both meaningful and essential for long-term recovery.”

The Support Group System is structured to include interactive discussions, personal stories, Q&A sessions with the ILC team of doctors, and peer encouragement. It is designed to address not only medical concerns but also the emotional and psychological challenges that transplant patients and their caregivers often face.

This commendable initiative underscores Aster RV and the ILC Team’s unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive care, focusing not just on treatment but also on building a community of understanding, empathy, and resilience for transplant patients. When one has to care for an ailing family member, Aster RV Hospital ensures that it supports not only the patient but also the family caring for them.

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CHENNAI: In a groundbreaking medical achievement, MGM Healthcare has successfully performed the World’s first modified multi-visceral transplant (MMVT) for the treatment of a rare intestinal disorder, saving the life of a 32-year-old patient from Kerala who had been suffering from bloody diarrhea, along with a severe drop in hemoglobin levels, progressive malnutrition, recurrent infections, and abdominal swelling.

His diagnosis, diffuse primary lymphangioma of the intestine, was a non-malignant intestinal condition. It was so extensive that conventional surgical approaches, such as bowel resection, were not viable. To address this, the expert surgical team at MGM Healthcare performed a modified multi-visceral transplant, replacing the stomach, pancreaticoduodenal complex (the pancreas and the first part of the small intestine), small intestine, and large intestine, with innovative modifications to enhance graft function and reduce immunologic risks. The patient is now recovering well, marking a major milestone in transplant medicine and offering new hope for those with complex intestinal disorders.

Before proceeding with the modified multi-visceral transplant (MMVT), the medical team at MGM Healthcare took critical steps to stabilize the patient. Given the severity of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by diffuse primary intestinal lymphangioma, the team performed an emergent subtotal enterectomy, which refers to the surgical removal of a significant portion of the diseased intestine to control the bleeding. The team also initiated total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a method of delivering essential nutrients intravenously, bypassing the digestive system altogether to ensure the patient’s nutritional stability. These interventions optimized the patient’s condition for the complex transplant procedure that followed.

The MMVT surgical intervention was headed by Prof. Dr. Anil Vaidya, M.D., Chair and Director of the Institute of Multi-Visceral and Abdominal Organ Transplant, along with Dr. Senthil Muthuraman, Senior Consultant, Multi Visceral and abdominal organ transplant and Dr. Sivakumar Mahalingam, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Dr. Venkatesh B.S, Consultant Multi Visceral Transplant Program at MGM Healthcare. The anesthesia and intensive care team comprised Dr. Dinesh Babu, and Dr. Nivash Chandrasekaran.

In his comments, Prof. Dr. Anil Vaidya said “The patient had an exceptionally high disease burden, with extensive involvement of the small intestine, making traditional surgical options like segmental resection ineffective. Given the severity of his condition, we needed an innovative approach to restore his digestive function and overall health. Our team decided to proceed with a modified multi-visceral transplant, replacing the stomach, pancreaticoduodenal complex, small intestine, and large intestine. We also made key modifications to improve graft function and reduce the risk of complications. I am truly delighted that the world’s first MMVT for this rare condition has been a success. The patient has now gone over two months without any signs of graft rejection or major complications, which is a remarkable outcome.”

In his comments, Dr. Senthil Muthuraman, said, “Primary intestinal lymphangioma is an exceptionally rare condition. The patient developed enteropathy, which led to chronic diarrhea, malabsorption of nutrients, and protein loss. The bloody diarrhea persisted for over a month and hemoglobin dropped to dangerous levels, requiring multiple blood transfusions. The extensive involvement of the small intestine made conventional treatments unfeasible. We first performed a subtotal enterectomy to control the bleeding and placed him on TPN to ensure he remained strong enough for the transplant. It is truly gratifying to see that he has made an excellent recovery, with no signs of graft rejection, resolution of enteropathy, and optimal graft function. This case marks a breakthrough in transplant surgery, and we are proud to have been part of this life-saving procedure.”

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INDIA: Marking a breakthrough in advanced ophthalmic care, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital successfully performed a complex surgical intervention that combined pinhole pupilloplasty (PPP) with corneal and scleral repair to restore the vision of a senior citizen who sustained severe injuries in his right eye while playing badminton. The emergency intervention successfully avoided the need for corneal transplantation, significantly reducing the risks of infections and graft rejection while ensuring a safer and more effective vision restoration.

The integration of Pinhole Pupilloplasty (PPP) with multiple surgical procedures, including intraocular tissue repositioning and artificial lens implantation to address the patient’s pre-existing cataract, is a rare and complex intervention. Led by Prof. Dr. Amar Agarwal, Chairman of Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, the surgery lasted approximately an hour. Following the procedure, the patient completely regained his vision, and the wound was healing well.

Introduced by Prof. Dr. Amar Agarwal in 2018, Pinhole Pupilloplasty (PPP) is a technique designed to reduce the pupil size to that of a pinhole, limiting the amount of light entering the eye. This ensures that images focus sharply on the retina, thereby enhancing the patient’s visual acuity. Traditionally, PPP has been used primarily for the treatment of high astigmatism. People with conditions like keratoconus, post-pterygium excision, and post-corneal tear repair, can experience significant improvement in their quality of vision following Pinhole Pupilloplasty.

Addressing a press conference, Prof. Dr. Amar Agarwal, Chairman, of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital said, “The patient, Mr. Mani, 67 years old, suffered a severe injury to his right eye, with complete corneal damage. In such cases, corneal transplantation would typically be performed, requiring donor cornea from a cadaver. Transplantation typically involves multiple sutures, increasing the risk of infection and long-term complications. “However, we opted for a full-thickness repair of the cornea and sclera—the frontal parts of the eye—repositioned the prolapsed intraocular contents, and implanted an artificial lens to treat the pre-existing cataract. Since patients who undergo corneal tear repair often experience visual deterioration due to high astigmatism and corneal aberrations, we combined the procedure with Pinhole Pupilloplasty. All these interventions were performed in a single sitting, ensuring a comprehensive and effective solution for vision restoration.”

In his comments, Dr Ashvin Agarwal, Chief Clinical Officer, of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital said, “Over 54% of ocular emergencies and 32% of blindness cases in India result from trauma, often leading to corneal scarring, opacities, and astigmatism, which cause vision loss or blurring. In severe cases, corneal transplantation is typically performed. However, even after a transplant, vision impairment may persist. Pinhole Pupilloplasty (PPP) has emerged as a groundbreaking alternative for many patients. It requires no additional equipment, is easy to learn, and significantly reduces surgical costs. PPP is particularly beneficial for conditions such as corneal scarring and opacities that would otherwise require full-thickness corneal grafting. Additionally, patients with high astigmatism—such as those with keratoconus, post-pterygium excision, or post-corneal tear repair—can achieve significant improvements in their visual quality through this procedure.”

In her comments, Dr. S. Soundari, Regional Head – of Clinical Services, at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, said, “The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing vision, but it can be damaged due to various factors, including injuries, exposure to explosions, complications after eye transplantation or surgery, or conditions like keratoconus, a conical deformity of the cornea. The patient had suffered corneal and scleral tears along with a prolapse of intraocular tissues in his right eye. He was admitted to the hospital with severe pain and vision loss. However, we combined the repair of torn corneal and scleral layers, cataract surgery, and PPP in a single sitting, eliminating the need for multiple procedures. Thanks to PPP, corneal transplantation was also avoided. Following the surgery, he is recovering well and doing extremely well.”

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MUMBAI: With a vision to strengthen treatment solutions for Thalassemia patients in the Gujarat region, DKMS Foundation India inaugurated a new Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Unit in Ahmedabad, today. Designed to meet the growing demand for stem cell transplantations in the region, the new center includes 10 specialized pediatric BMT beds, alongside essential apheresis care facilities and an outpatient center. More than 26 professionals, including four doctors and 14 nurses, will ensure the best possible care for patients. The non-profit organization Sankalp India Foundation operates the new unit with the medical advice support of Cure2Children on the premises of Health1 Super Specialty Hospital, Ahmedabad.

India faces a pressing healthcare challenge: over 12,000 children are born each year with thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder that causes severe anemia. These children often require lifelong blood transfusions, and without proper treatment, many do not survive beyond the age of 20. Bone marrow transplantation offers the only curative option, but access remains limited due to financial and logistical barriers.

To bridge this gap, DKMS through its Access to Transplantation program has committed 31.15 million Indian rupees (approximately 350,000 euros) to fund the new BMT unit.

“By funding the BMT unit in Ahmedabad, we are bringing lifesaving care closer to home, reducing barriers to treatment, and supporting families who might otherwise have to travel long distances. We dream of giving every child suffering from thalassemia in India a second chance at life – a chance to smile, grow, and embrace the future they deserve,” explains Dr. Elke Neujahr, Global CEO of DKMS.

“Our collaboration with DKMS has transformed the lives of more than 570 children in India since 2018,” says Rajat Kumar Agarwal, President of Sankalp. “With the new and expanded unit in Ahmedabad, where up to 120 children can be treated every year, even more children can be saved and return to a happy life. It represents hope and a brighter future for families facing the challenges of thalassemia.”

It is the second BMT unit in India funded by DKMS, in memory of Mechtild Harf, the late wife of DKMS founder Peter Harf. The first BMT unit in Bangalore, established in 2021 and also operated by Sankalp in collaboration with Cure2Children, has already had a positive impact on more than 460 children with thalassemia.

The inauguration of the new BMT unit represents a significant milestone in the advancement of healthcare in Ahmedabad and the surrounding region. It will not only enhance access to critical treatment but also contribute to the development of expertise in the field of bone marrow transplantation.

A story of hope: Tanvi

The impact of this initiative is best reflected in the story of Tanvi, a young girl diagnosed with thalassemia at just six months old. Born into a family facing daily financial struggles, her father – an auto-rickshaw driver – worked tirelessly to provide for them. For Tanvi, routine blood transfusions became a lifeline, but as the financial burden grew overwhelming, her father desperately sought help.

Thanks to free HLA typing funded by DKMS and facilitated by Sankalp, a genetic match –  and the foundation for a stem cell transplant – was found: Tanvi’s sister, Dhanvi. With renewed hope, the family accessed the BMT procedure at the former Ahmedabad unit, a turning point in Tanvi’s battle against the disease. Today, five years after her transplant, 16-year-old Tanvi is thriving – a joyful child who loves dancing and embraces life with newfound energy.

“I am immensely grateful that my daughter could receive this treatment thanks to DKMS and Sankalp,” shares Tanvi’s father. “Because of them, I can see her smile again. She now has the chance for a long and full life.”

In addition to receiving the transplant, Tanvi’s family benefited from DKMS’s Patient Funding Program, which helped ease the financial strain of the procedure, ensuring she got the care she needed.

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Dr. Kannan Subramanian, Consultant Haematologist at KEM Hospital, Pune, and Head of the Unit, said that while the unit is especially for pediatric patients, it is also completely equipped to treat adults.

The Unit will serve patients with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, thalassemia, aplastic anemia, primary immunodeficiency disorders, etc.

All processes related to  BMT – from stem cell harvest, and storage, to infusion will be undertaken under one roof. The facility is strongly supported by multi-specialty backup and critical care.

Dr. Kannan added that the Unit with cutting-edge technology, experts including hematologists, oncologists, and trained nurses and staff will ensure specialized care, and a multidisciplinary approach to overall health and well-being while tackling blood-related disorders.  

Along with an established Haematology Department, the new unit reflects our ability to diagnose and treat all blood-related disorders.

Dr. Farrokh Wadia, Trustee of the hospital and Director of the Renal Unit said that the launch of the BMT Unit is an important milestone for our hospital and reflects our efforts to offer end-to-end services with advanced technologies and multidisciplinary support at affordable rates.

Bone Marrow Transplant is a specialized and critical procedure that includes healthy bone marrow cells or stem cells replacing damaged bone marrow. It provides a ray of hope for restoring the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells which is crucial for our immune function and overall health.

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PUNE: Despite challenges of different blood groups and multiple arteries, a 40-year-old female resident of Pune who suffered kidney failure was successfully treated by the doctors of Manipal Hospital, Baner.

Aarti Mashale, a homemaker, has been facing a series of severe health issues since 2015. Her struggles began with a diagnosis of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) and lupus nephritis, a debilitating autoimmune disease. Despite trying five different forms of medications, her severe hypertension remained uncontrolled. In 2020, her health further deteriorated with the onset of herpes zoster and diabetes. By April 2021, she had developed early signs of kidney failure, which rapidly progressed, culminating in the need for dialysis by 2023.

As Aarti’s condition continued to deteriorate, she required an urgent kidney transplant. Her husband, Rahul Mashale (43) decided to donate one of his kidneys. However, the transplant was challenging due to ABO incompatibility (mismatched blood group), with Rahul having AB+ blood and Aarti having A+ blood. Further evaluation revealed an additional challenge that Rahul had triple renal arteries, a rare anatomy occurring in only 10% of the population. Defying all odds, Dr. Tarun Jeloka and Dr. Anand Dharaskar along with their team, successfully performed the kidney transplant on 18^th July 2024. 

Speaking on the case, Dr. Anand Dharasakar, Consultant Urology said, “This was a challenging case for us. Performing a transplant was complicated as the donor had three renal arteries, while the recipient had only one. Suturing the three arteries was difficult in the donor’s case, therefore, we performed a laparoscopic surgery to harvest the kidney, which is less invasive, quicker to heal, and more cosmetically preferred for the donor. However, transplanting the kidney into the recipient with only one artery was equally daunting, requiring precise vascular reconstruction to ensure proper blood flow.”

Overcoming the challenge of mismatched blood groups, Dr. Tarun Jeloka, Consultant of Nephrology and Transplant said, “We performed the transplant using a special protocol for incompatible blood types. To reduce the risk of rejection, we gave the patient a monoclonal antibody medication two weeks before the transplant, followed by additional medications a week before. We also did a procedure called plasma exchange to remove harmful antibodies from the blood until they reached a safe level. Despite the higher risks, the transplant was successful, just like a matched transplant. The patient’s kidney function became normal within two days, and was able to go home without any complications.”

The donor was discharged within 7 days, while the recipient was discharged within 9 days of the procedure. The recovery period for both will be the same as for matched transplants: 2-4 weeks for donors and 6-12 weeks for recipients. Both donor and recipient can expect to live normal lives, with the recipient required to take transplant medications lifelong.

The transplant team involved Dr. Tarun Jeloka, Dr. Anand Dharaskar, Dr. Saurabh Khiste, Dr. Shrirang Ranade, Dr. Nilesh Warwantkar, Dr. Ranjeet Maheshgauri. Anesthesia support was provided by a team headed by Dr. Ashish Pathak. 

In India, as reported in 2022, 71% are female donors, and among spousal transplants, 90% are wives. Males are considered bread-earning members and hence have a concern toward non-donation. However, we want to emphasize that kidney donation does not compromise health in any way and this and similar cases should become examples for male donors.

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PUNE: In a significant medical achievement, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar, successfully performed a liver transplant on Sanjay Chavan (name changed) who is from Washim, who had been suffering from decompensated liver cirrhosis for the past three years. This life-saving surgery underscores the importance of timely medical intervention and the profound impact of organ donation.

Chavan had been battling severe liver issues, including a rise in bilirubin levels and ascites. His condition required an immediate liver transplant. Fortunately, a 47-year-old man who had suffered a brain hemorrhage generously donated his liver. The donor was brought to Sahyadri Hospital in an emergency, where the organ donation process was facilitated.

ZTCC’s organ allocation process played a crucial role in this life-saving procedure. According to ZTCC guidelines, priority is given to recipients registered at the same hospital as the donor. Mr. Sanjay, being the registered recipient at Sahyadri Hospital, was prioritized for the transplant.

“Sanjay’s case is a testament to the importance of timely intervention, effective counseling, and the coordinated efforts of our medical team. Just last month, our team achieved another milestone by completing the first liver transplant at our Hadapsar facility. We are grateful to the donor’s families for their noble decisions, which have given these patients new leases on life. This series of successful procedures demonstrates our team’s dedication and the advanced medical capabilities at Sahyadri Hospital. We aim to continue providing such life-saving interventions and improving patient outcomes,” said Dr. Bipin Vibhute, Head of Liver & Multi-organ Transplant Dept., Sahyadri Hospitals, Pune.

The successful transplant was performed by a highly skilled team of doctors, including Dr. Bipin Vibhute, Dr. Apurv Deshpande, Dr. Anirudha Bhosale, Dr. Dinesh Zirpe, Dr. Radhika, Dr. Manish Pathak, Dr. Manoj Raut, Dr. Sheetal Mahajani, Dr. Kiran Shinde along with Transplant coordinator Rahul Tambe and Priyanka Bhujbal. The critical care support was provided by Dr. Kapil Borawake and Dr. Satish from the ICU team. The entire process, from donor identification to transplant, was executed with precision, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to excellence in healthcare.

Just a month before this successful procedure, Sahyadri Hospital in Hadapsar had marked another milestone with its first-ever liver transplant at this facility. The recipient, a 49-year-old male from Parbhani, had been diagnosed with decompensated chronic liver disease. The availability of a suitable donor at the hospital enabled the medical team to carry out this groundbreaking surgery, setting a precedent for future life-saving interventions at Hadapsar.

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FARIDABAD: Two male patients, one of them 64 years old and the other 19 years of age, have successfully undergone hand transplantation at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. This is the very first time that such a procedure has been conducted in North India. Significantly, this is also the first time in India (and only the second such case in the world) that a kidney transplant recipient has received a hand transplant. The two complex hand transplantation surgeries lasted for around 17 hours and were conducted in the last week of December 2023.

Gautam Tayal, the 64-year-old patient hailing from Delhi had undergone a kidney transplant 10 years ago, due to which he was already on immunosuppressants. About two years ago, he lost his left hand just above the wrist in an industrial accident in a factory. The hand that he received in the transplant belonged to a 40-year-old man who was declared brain dead following a head injury. The deceased man’s family generously agreed to donate his various organs, including his hands, immediately following his death. The donated hand was flown from Thane, near Mumbai, to Faridabad, where the doctors immediately started the procedure to transplant the hand.

Said Dr. Mohit Sharma, Professor & Head, Centre for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad: “This is not only North India’s first-ever hand transplantation, but also the first one in the country conducted on a kidney transplant patient. This is a very rare and exciting feat in medical science. To achieve the union of the two hands, we had to join two bones, two arteries, 25 tendons, and 5 nerves. The patient is doing well in the post-operative period and his hand movements are in recovery. He will be discharged within a week.”

Patient Gautam Tayal said, “I was devastated at losing my limb at this age. However, seeing Amrita Hospital’s stellar record of conducting hand transplants gave me hope for the future. This hand transplant has gifted me a new lease of life. I am so happy and grateful that God, and Amrita doctors, have given me a second chance to live my life to the full.”

The second-hand transplantation at Amrita Hospital Faridabad was conducted on a 19-year-old youth, Devansh Gupta, hailing from Delhi. He lost both upper limbs (hands) and the right lower limb above the knee in a train accident three years ago. The two hands he received in transplantation belonged to a 33-year-old man from Surat who was declared brain dead due to a chronic and fatal lung condition. His family readily agreed to donate his various organs, including his hands, immediately following his death, and that is when Devansh’s prayers for a new pair of hands were answered.  The hands were flown to Faridabad from Surat in a complex logistical operation.

Said Dr. Anil Murarka, Senior Consultant, Centre for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Hospital Faridabad: “The patient’s right limb was transplanted at the upper arm level and the left limb just above the elbow level. The higher the level of amputation, the more challenging the hand transplant becomes, and there are profound technical issues in upper-arm-level hand transplants. So far, the patient’s progress has been excellent. He needs to take immunosuppression lifelong so that the new hands are not rejected by his body. It will take him anywhere between 6 to 18 months to regain enough function in his new hands to do day-to-day activities. He also needs to undergo intensive physiotherapy including muscle stretching for another year.”

Said the patient Devansh Gupta: “When I lost both my hands at such a young age, I couldn’t come to terms with reality. It was a devastating loss from which it was impossible to recover. My life as I knew it came crashing down. Getting a new pair of hands seems like a dream come true to me. God has finally answered my prayers. I eagerly look forward to the day when I will feel the first sensation in my hands and be able to move my fingers. I thank the doctors of Amrita Hospital for giving me a new life and a new hope.”

Said Swami Nijamritananda Puri, Administrative Director, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Amrita doctors for achieving such a remarkable medical feat, particularly in successfully conducting a hand transplant on a kidney transplant recipient, which is India’s first. This accomplishment is a testament to the world-class infrastructure of our hospital and the exceptional skills of our surgeons. In a brief period, Amrita Hospital has emerged as one of the world’s leading institutions for hand transplants.”

Said Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad: “My congratulations to Amrita doctors and everyone involved for the two successful hand transplants in Faridabad. This is a major medical feat. The hand transplant surgery posed a risk of kidney failure to the 64-year-old patient, but thanks to the entire team at Amrita, the surgery was a success. We now look forward to both the patients leading normal lives, like anyone else.”

The success of this complex operation was attributed to the concerted efforts of a multidisciplinary team. Key contributors include consultants in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, such as Dr. Shikha Gupta, Dr. Devajyoti Guin, Dr. Srilekha Reddy, Dr. Vasundhra Jain, and Dr. Arun Sharma. The Department of Anesthesiology, led by Dr. Mukul Kapoor and supported by Dr. Shaloo Garg, Dr. Niti Gulati, and Dr. Ketan Kulkarni, played a pivotal role in managing the patient throughout the procedure and the post-operative period. Orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Mrinal Sharma and Dr. Priyadarshi Amit, along with their team, ensured the quick union of bones for limb stability.

In Nephrology, Dr. Zacharia Paul, Dr. Urmila Anand, and Dr. Kunal Gandhi managed crucial immunosuppression to prevent limb rejection. The Pathology Department, under the leadership of Dr. Gaurav and Dr. Arruparrna Sen Gupta, handled limb rejection diagnoses. Dr. Ansar Ul Haq and the Physical Medicine Department oversaw the patient’s rehabilitation post-transplantation, while Dr. Charu Dua looked nutrition of the patients. Silent contributors included nursing staff and OT technicians, including Ms. Shakti Khati, Ms. Rari Chandran, Ms. Sonia, Joginder, Rohitash, Virender, Neeraj, Akash, and ICU nurses Dharamender, Pradeep, Pawan, Megha, Pritika, Abbas, Nitika, Pramod, Swarnima, Nidhi, and Priyanka. Medical administration, represented by Dr. Danish, Mr. Ashwini Sarin, Ms. Nivedita, transplant manager Mr. Arjun, and Smt. Vani played a crucial role in logistical coordination, including the transportation of doctors and organs. Dr. Mohit Sharma also acknowledged the divine blessing of Amma, the institute’s founder, as the backbone of this surgical achievement.

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PUNE: Sahyadri Hospitals, one of Maharashtra’s largest hospital chains, proudly announces a ground-breaking commercial collaboration with ImmunoACT to introduce CAR-T cell therapies in Pune. As one of the prominent healthcare facilities, Sahyadri Hospitals, equipped with comprehensive hematology treatment centers, is set to provide access to NexCAR19 (Actalycabtagene autoleucel). This CAR-T cell therapy is designed to treat relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma and B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients aged 15 and above.

“The introduction of CAR-T cell therapy marks a significant leap in our commitment to providing cutting-edge care for cancer patients. This innovative approach reflects our continuous endeavor to push the boundaries of cancer treatment, offering patients the most advanced therapeutic options available,” states Abrarali Dalal, Director & CEO of Sahyadri Hospitals. “The integration of CAR-T cell therapy sets a new benchmark in treating complex blood cancers, aligning with our mission to offer the highest standard of precision medicine. This launch places Sahyadri Hospitals at the frontline of innovative treatments for blood disorders, promising to significantly improve the lives of patients in Pune and Maharashtra.”

Commonly known as “living drugs,” these personalized therapies are manufactured by genetically modifying a patient’s T-cells using a viral vector, specifically targeting certain types of cancer cells. NexCAR19, the first CAR-T therapy fully developed and manufactured in India, is now among approximately ten such therapies available commercially worldwide. While similar therapies can cost several hundred thousand dollars in the United States, it is planned to be offered at almost one-tenth of this cost.

Outcomes in B-cell cancers, where one or more lines of treatment have failed, are generally dismal. Sahyadri’s medical and haemato-oncologists intend to deploy NexCAR19 to enhance the standard of care, which currently includes chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, and bone marrow transplant. NexCAR19 will be initially available at Sahyadri’s Deccan Gymkhana center in Pune, serving patients across western India and beyond.

Dr. Shashikant Apte, M.D., FRCPA, Head of the Department of Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Sahyadri Hospitals, stated, “At Sahyadri Hospitals, we treat patients from various backgrounds, conducting approximately 45-50 bone marrow transplants annually. With the availability of NexCAR19, we now have a significant opportunity to improve outcomes and the quality of life for patients with B-cell malignancies. We hope that similar cell therapies will soon be accessible for other forms of hematological cancers, addressing a critically unmet need.”

Shirish Arya, Co-Founder and Director of Business Development & Corporate Strategy at ImmunoACT commented, “Sahyadri Hospitals’ cutting-edge infrastructure and their clinically forward-thinking oncologists will receive our full support to ensure the immediate and affordable availability of NexCAR19 to patients. Our efforts at ImmunoACT, driven by innovation in research, are also focused on enhancing the scalability of our robust CAR-T platform to extend the benefits of this life-saving therapy to as many patients as possible.”

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