Jaipur/September 27, 2025: In a landmark achievement for pediatric oncology, doctors at HCG Cancer Centre, Jaipur successfully treated a 30-month-old child diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, one of the most common extracranial solid tumors in childhood. The comprehensive, multidisciplinary care included intensive chemotherapy, surgical excision, and an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), resulting in a positive recovery and renewed hope for the family.

The child’s symptoms first appeared in January 2025, presenting as recurrent abdominal pain accompanied by intermittent loose stools, episodes of vomiting, and low-grade fever. In the early stage, the family consulted a private practitioner. As the clinical picture evolved and symptoms persisted, the child was brought to HCG Cancer Centre, Jaipur. This was followed with a detailed evaluation, including relevant diagnostic tests, which established the diagnosis of high-risk neuroblastoma.

The initial phase of treatment involved intravenous chemotherapy to reduce tumor size. The child showed excellent response, with a marked reduction in disease volume. This favorable outcome created an opportunity for the surgical team to proceed with operative intervention. In June 2025, surgeons at HCG Jaipur performed a successful excision of the residual abdominal tumor. The surgery was uneventful, and the child’s post-operative recovery was stable.

Recognizing the high risk of relapse in neuroblastoma, the team advised autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) as a consolidation therapy. The family was counselled extensively on the procedure, potential risks, and long-term benefits. With their consent, the child underwent ASCT on July 23, 2025, under the supervision of a specialized team of pediatric oncologists, hematologists, and critical care experts.

By Day 10 post-transplant, the child showed encouraging signs of recovery with successful stem cell engraftment. On Day 14, the child was discharged in stable condition, marking a significant milestone in the journey to remission.

Dr. Jitendra Kumar Pehalajani Consultant Medical Oncologist & Dr. Monika Bhukar, Consultant – Pediatric Hematology Oncology and BMT, HCG Cancer Center Jaipur, said: “High-risk neuroblastoma in toddlers is among the most challenging conditions in pediatric oncology. These aggressive tumors often present at an advanced stage and demand a carefully sequenced, multimodal strategy. In this case, the child presented with a large abdominal mass, with metasesis and systemic chemotherapy was used to reduce tumor burden. The excellent chemosensitivity improved clinical status and created a safer window for surgery.

Given the high risk of relapse, consolidation with an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) was essential, allowing high-dose chemotherapy to eradicate residual disease while rescuing the bone marrow with the child’s own stem cells. Engraftment within 10 days and smooth recovery underscored the strength of HCG Jaipur’s transplant program. This case demonstrates the value of a multidisciplinary approach, where the goal extends beyond cure to ensuring safety, quality of life, and long-term well-being. Watching this child recover and return home healthy reaffirms our commitment to world-class pediatric cancer care, even in tier-2 cities.”

The child’s parents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the medical team. “Hearing that our little one had cancer was the most difficult moment of our lives. At just two and a half years old, we could not imagine how our child would endure such a diagnosis. The team at HCG Jaipur, explained every step of the treatment with patience, and treated our child with the same care as their own. Watching our child go through chemotherapy, surgery, and a stem cell transplant was overwhelming, but the doctors and nurses stood beside us at every stage, giving us strength. Today, seeing our child smile again and return home feels nothing short of a blessing”.

This case underscores HCG Jaipur’s commitment to advancing pediatric oncology in India, particularly in tier-2 cities. By combining cutting-edge treatment protocols, advanced surgical expertise, and transplant capabilities, HCG continues to provide world-class care for even the most challenging pediatric cancers.

High-risk neuroblastoma, if left untreated, is associated with poor prognosis. However, through timely diagnosis, multidisciplinary planning, and advanced therapies such as ASCT, survival rates and quality of life for young patients can be significantly improved.

The successful outcome of this case not only brings relief to one family but also serves as a beacon of hope for countless others, reinforcing the fact that comprehensive pediatric cancer care is now accessible beyond metro cities.

Dr. Naresh Somani Director Oncology HCG Cancer Centre Jaipur, has informed regarding the transplant program at HCG Jaipur We have done Stem Cell Transplant & CAR-T Cell Therapy with Success Rate.