Sawai Man Singh Hospital Stem Cell Transplant: A Successful Attempt that Saved Life of 42-year-old Moni David.
Jim Ramstad once said “Embryonic Stem Cell Research Will Prolong Life, Improve Life and Give Hope for Life to Millions of People around us“. Ramstad’s views appropriately fit today’s scenarios. Patients, who battle against fatal diseases often lose hope with time. Nevertheless, Rajasthan doctors gave new life and hope to foreigner Moni David from Nigeria. Sawai Man Singh Hospital stem cell transplant is yet another laurel on Rajasthan’s colourful cap. Tireless efforts of surgeons saved David’s life, who was battling with multiple myeloma.
A Brief Insight Into Sawai Man Singh Hospital Stem Cell Transplant Case
Banker Moni David had complained of anaemia and backache earlier. When he was admitted to Mumbai based private hospital, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He was referred to Jaipur SMS for further treatment. For those who don’t know, multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer. Due to lack of proper healthcare facilities in Nigeria, David was admitted to ACRI (Asia Cancer Research Institute) in Malviya Nagar.
Doctors at ACRI gave him chemotherapy treatment but stem cell transplant was a must. He was shifted to SMS under Dr. Sandeep Jasuja’s care. Jasuja and his team conducted autologous transplant on the patient. In an interview with TOI, Dr. Jasuja informed about the techniques adopted by the hospital.
“There are three kinds of stem cell transplants — allogeneic transplant, autologous transplant and haploidentical transplant. In allogeneic transplant, doctors take stem cells from a donor unlike autologous transplant, where stem cells are taken from the patient’s own body. In this case, autologous transplant was conducted“, he said.
Allogeneic transplant is performed when haemoglobin level and platelet count declines in the patient’s body. Haploidentical stem cell transplant is done by taking tissues from related/unrelated donors. In David’s case, his stem cells were healthy. Therefore, autologous transplant was the best option.
The procedure was successfully conducted on November 19. The patient was kept under observation for a couple of days before he was discharged towards month end. He’s showing signs of speedy recovery, as per the doctors.
Thus, Rajasthan doctors have set another milestone by conducting this transplant. David is the first foreigner to receive this gift at SMS. This has opened newer possibilities of attracting foreign patients. Rajasthan government might use this opportunity to improve and promote their healthcare facilities worldwide.
