Bathinda, December 15, 2024: Addressing two critical health challenges in India—thalassemia and leukaemia—Medanta – The Medicity, ranked as India’s Best Private Hospital by Newsweek, hosted an awareness session in Bathinda in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP). The initiative aimed to educate doctors about cutting-edge treatments, including Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and CAR T-cell therapy, which offer curative options for conditions such as thalassemia, blood cancer (leukaemia), and bone marrow failure.
The session was led by Dr. Satya Prakash Yadav, Director of Paediatric Hemato Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Medanta Gurugram, and also explored emerging advancements like gene therapy for thalassemia. This initiative is part of Medanta’s commitment to bridging the gaps in awareness and access to transformative treatments.
Burden of Thalassemia and Leukaemia in Punjab
Thalassemia, a congenital blood disorder that impairs the production of red blood cells, often requires lifelong blood transfusions. Leukaemia, a cancer of blood-forming tissues, is also a major health concern, especially among children. Punjab records approximately 4,700 patients with Thalassemia Major annually, while 700-800 children are born with the condition each year. Additionally, leukaemia prevalence in the state exceeds the national average, making it a leading cause of child mortality.
However, advancements like Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and gene therapy for thalassemia are significantly improving patient outcomes, eliminating the need for lifelong transfusions. Similarly, CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge immunotherapy, is showing promise in treating complex cases of leukaemia by reprogramming a patient’s T-cells to attack cancer cells.
Promising Advances in Treatment
Dr. Yadav highlighted the transformative potential of these therapies, stating, “For patients with thalassemia, a bone marrow transplant is the only curative option, with success rates exceeding 90% when performed early with a fully matched sibling donor. For blood cancers like leukaemia, CAR T-cell therapy is proving to be a breakthrough for cases previously considered untreatable.”
Despite these advancements, limited access to such treatments, especially in northern India, remains a barrier. Many children with thalassemia continue to rely on regular blood transfusions, with access further restricted by a lack of awareness, a diverse gene pool, and misconceptions about stem cell donation.
Bridging Gaps in Awareness and Access
The session emphasized the need for a collaborative effort among doctors, policymakers, and the public to dispel myths, increase donor registrations, and expand access to advanced treatments. Dr. Yadav remarked, “Through collective efforts, we can save countless lives and improve health outcomes for children suffering from these life-threatening conditions.”
A Call to Action
Medanta’s initiative in Bathinda marks a significant step toward addressing the healthcare challenges posed by thalassemia and leukaemia. By raising awareness, advancing knowledge, and advocating for greater accessibility to innovative therapies, the hospital aims to bring hope to countless families in Punjab and beyond.
Medanta Raises Awareness on Advanced Treatments for Thalassemia and Leukaemia
Bathinda, December 15, 2024: Addressing two critical health challenges in India—thalassemia and leukaemia—Medanta – The Medicity, ranked as India’s Best Private Hospital by Newsweek, hosted an awareness session in Bathinda in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP). The initiative aimed to educate doctors about cutting-edge treatments, including Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and CAR T-cell therapy, which offer curative options for conditions such as thalassemia, blood cancer (leukaemia), and bone marrow failure.
The session was led by Dr. Satya Prakash Yadav, Director of Paediatric Hemato Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Medanta Gurugram, and also explored emerging advancements like gene therapy for thalassemia. This initiative is part of Medanta’s commitment to bridging the gaps in awareness and access to transformative treatments.
Burden of Thalassemia and Leukaemia in Punjab
Thalassemia, a congenital blood disorder that impairs the production of red blood cells, often requires lifelong blood transfusions. Leukaemia, a cancer of blood-forming tissues, is also a major health concern, especially among children. Punjab records approximately 4,700 patients with Thalassemia Major annually, while 700-800 children are born with the condition each year. Additionally, leukaemia prevalence in the state exceeds the national average, making it a leading cause of child mortality.
However, advancements like Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and gene therapy for thalassemia are significantly improving patient outcomes, eliminating the need for lifelong transfusions. Similarly, CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge immunotherapy, is showing promise in treating complex cases of leukaemia by reprogramming a patient’s T-cells to attack cancer cells.
Promising Advances in Treatment
Dr. Yadav highlighted the transformative potential of these therapies, stating, “For patients with thalassemia, a bone marrow transplant is the only curative option, with success rates exceeding 90% when performed early with a fully matched sibling donor. For blood cancers like leukaemia, CAR T-cell therapy is proving to be a breakthrough for cases previously considered untreatable.”
Despite these advancements, limited access to such treatments, especially in northern India, remains a barrier. Many children with thalassemia continue to rely on regular blood transfusions, with access further restricted by a lack of awareness, a diverse gene pool, and misconceptions about stem cell donation.
Bridging Gaps in Awareness and Access
The session emphasized the need for a collaborative effort among doctors, policymakers, and the public to dispel myths, increase donor registrations, and expand access to advanced treatments. Dr. Yadav remarked, “Through collective efforts, we can save countless lives and improve health outcomes for children suffering from these life-threatening conditions.”
A Call to Action
Medanta’s initiative in Bathinda marks a significant step toward addressing the healthcare challenges posed by thalassemia and leukaemia. By raising awareness, advancing knowledge, and advocating for greater accessibility to innovative therapies, the hospital aims to bring hope to countless families in Punjab and beyond.
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