Father's Stem Cells Save Son From Rare Genetic Disorder

A pioneering haplo-identical bone marrow transplant has been successfully performed on a five-year-old boy suffering from X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a rare inherited genetic disorder. The procedure at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) was enabled by the boy's father donating stem cells.

This successful transplant, conducted under the National Programme for Rare Diseases, is a significant achievement for SGPGIMS as it represents their first bone marrow transplant for X-ALD. Furthermore, it is recognized as the first such successful procedure in North India.

Hemopoietic stem cell transplantation, commonly known as bone marrow transplant, is currently the sole established treatment for halting X-ALD's progression. This intervention is effective if administered before irreversible neurological damage occurs.

The transplant was led by Dr. Rajesh Kashyap, Head of the Department of Hematology, with crucial support from specialists in medical genetics and laboratory medicine. SGPGIMS Director Dr. R.K. Dhiman highlighted the institute's dedication to advanced research and multidisciplinary care, stating that this achievement offers renewed hope to families affected by rare genetic conditions.