Representative image of a bone marrow transplant.
Credit: iStock PHoto
Bengaluru: One-third of bone marrow transplants in Bengaluru were performed on children, highlighting gaps in screening, genetic counselling and treatment affordability.
Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology opened its bone marrow transplant wing in 2022 and has conducted 133 transplants, with 44 paediatric patients.
Dr Vasundhara Kailasnath, Associate Professor, Bone Marrow Transplant at the hospital, told DH: "As many as 44 cases among children are significant. Cancer and other genetic issues are now leading reasons for paediatric transplants."
Private hospitals report that 30-33% of transplants are performed on children with thalassaemia, relapsed leukaemia and aplastic anaemia.
Dr Rasmi Palassery, Consultant Medical Oncologist and BMT Physician, said: "There has been a significant increase in cases since 2021. We did about 10 transplants a year earlier; now we do over 15. Paediatric transplants have crossed 40% in recent years."
On the current system of screening, genetic counselling and donor registry, Dr Rasmi said: "There is progress in preventing inherited disorders that require bone marrow transplant, but significant gaps remain. Mandatory carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis are important."
Genetic counselling helps people and families at risk of genetic disorders understand their condition.
Dr Prerana Nesargi, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist, Haematologist and BMT Physician, said: "Genetic counselling is accessible only to a section of society. In future, more genetic screening and counselling, along with prenatal screening, can help reduce transplants."
Doctors note that bone marrow procedures remain expensive, forcing many people to forgo transplant. Even at state-run hospitals, patients require about Rs 6 lakh for the procedure.
Dr Raghuram CP, Senior Consultant, Paediatric, Haematology, Oncology and BMT, said: "We help with funding from foundations, crowdsourcing and CSR funds. Still, some patients cannot proceed due to cost or insurance reasons."
Doctors also called for more public awareness on bone marrow donation.