Ludhiana, July 21, 2023: American Oncology Institute (AOI) in Ludhiana adds another accomplishment to its record with successful stem cell transplantation for two patients with severe myeloma related kidney damage. After further evaluation by the department of Clinical Hematology and Stem Cell transplantation, the patient in consultation with the family were recommended with stem cell transplantation to control disease and possibly improve kidney function. The procedure was led by Dr Suvir Singh, Head of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation.
Multiple myeloma, a prevalent type of blood cancer, often leads to kidney involvement, causing potential permanent renal damage and dialysis dependence in affected patients. However, with effective therapy, it is possible to prevent and mitigate the severity of renal complications in myeloma patients.
Both patients had initially been diagnosed elsewhere and presented with significant renal involvement at diagnosis, necessitating dialysis support from the onset. Following successful stem cell transplantation, both patients experienced a gradual reduction in their dialysis requirements. One patient has been completely off dialysis for over a year, while the other patient requires dialysis only once every 2-3 weeks, depending on symptoms.
Dr Suvir Singh, Head of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, emphasizing on the criticality of early intervention in myeloma-related kidney disease stated, “Early intervention can prevent and potentially reverse renal damage in these patients. The availability of newer drugs enables deeper disease control, further enhancing the efficacy of stem cell transplantation. Western literature has reported increasing cases where patients observed reduced dialysis dependency after undergoing stem cell transplantation. Moreover, adequate control of multiple myeloma through stem cell transplantation opens the possibility of future renal transplantation for patients facing persistent kidney failure.
Sequential stem cell and renal transplantation offers patients the opportunity to achieve long-term disease control and enjoy a near-normal quality of life. It is an effective procedure for treating multiple myeloma and should be considered for all patients under 65 years of age in the Indian setting. While only a few centers in North India offer this procedure, the DMCH Cancer Care Centre In Collaboration with AOI has been routinely performing it for the past four years. The collaboration between the Department of Clinical Hematology and Medical Oncology ensures the best long-term outcomes for these patients. Stem cell transplantation for myeloma is now a safe procedure with less than 1% risk of death or serious procedure related complications.”
Dr Neeraj Bishnoi, Regional COO, AOI, said, “Over the last few years, DMCH Cancer Care Centre, Ludhiana in collaboration with AOI has emerged as the most preferred cancer care hospital in various regions. Equipped with the world’s latest medical technology, we stand at the forefront of cancer care excellence. We are committed to offering best-in-class clinical expertise, technological superiority, and service excellence for our patients.”
