PGIMER, Chandigarh Implements CAR T Cell Therapy, Sets Milestones in Organ Transplants
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, India, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first public hospital in the country to successfully implement Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy. This groundbreaking cancer treatment was administered during a clinical trial to patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphoma, and another type of leukemia. Encouragingly, all three patients have shown positive progress following the treatment, marking a major achievement for PGIMER.
Under the leadership of Director Prof. Vivek Lal, PGIMER has also made remarkable strides in organ transplant surgeries, particularly in the field of renal transplants. With 4,800 renal transplant surgeries conducted so far, the organ transplant program at PGIMER is considered one of the most prolific in the region. What is even more promising is that the hospital has already surpassed the number of renal transplant surgeries performed during the entire previous year, with 225 surgeries completed in 2023. This remarkable progress has significantly reduced the waiting period for live renal transplants from 12-14 months to just 2 months, alleviating the suffering of patients in need.
In addition to renal transplants, PGIMER has also made significant advancements in pancreas, liver, and heart transplant programs, reducing the waiting period for patients requiring these procedures. The hospital recently achieved another milestone by successfully conducting a living donor liver transplant (LDLT) on a 46-year-old male patient from Uttar Pradesh. The patient had been suffering from chronic liver disease and had been awaiting a transplant for the past three years. His wife generously donated a portion of her liver, and both the recipient and the donor had a smooth recovery. By offering living donor transplants at a significantly lower cost compared to private hospitals, PGIMER is making these life-saving procedures more accessible to the general population.
Furthermore, PGIMER has expanded its services to include an exclusive Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Service at Nehru Hospital. With six dedicated beds under the supervision of Prof. Amita Trehan, this development aims to reduce the waiting period for children in need of bone marrow transplants. Out of the 520 transplants conducted at PGIMER to date, 84 were performed on children. With the addition of these dedicated beds, the hospital will be able to cater to more children and further decrease waiting times.
Director Prof. Vivek Lal suggests that creating independent departments within the hospital will further improve patient care. The experience has shown that independent departments make a significant difference in the quality of care provided. Additionally, PGIMER plans to expand its Pediatric Cardiology department by adding ten dedicated beds and two operating theaters, aimed at reducing waiting lists and providing better care to pediatric patients.
PGIMER’s recent accomplishments in CAR T cell therapy, organ transplants, and the introduction of specialized services for pediatric patients demonstrate the hospital’s commitment to providing affordable and high-quality healthcare. These milestones position PGIMER as a leader in medical innovation and patient care in India.
