HCG pioneers’ cutting-edge cancer treatment, giving new life to leukemia patients through first-of-its-kind CAR T-cell therapy in Central India
“This is not just a clinical milestone; it is a promise fulfilled—to bring the most advanced cancer treatments to the heart of India,” said Ms. Neeta Rajwar, Chief Operating Officer of HCG Cancer Centre, Nagpur. “CAR T-cell therapy is one of the most advanced cancer treatments in the world, and our success in performing it in Nagpur ensures that such innovation is no longer restricted to metros or overseas institutions. We’ve made it accessible, effective, and life-changing right here in Nagpur.”
HCG Cancer Centre, Nagpur, has etched its name in medical history by becoming the first corporate hospital in Central India to successfully perform Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy—a revolutionary treatment for blood cancers like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)that harnesses the power of a patient’s own immune system to fight blood cancer.
Breakthrough Cases that Define Hope
CAR T-cell therapy was administered to two patients suffering from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)—a fast-growing form of blood cancer that often proves resistant to standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
The first patient, Dr. Kanchan Dubey, a 37-year-old practicing physician, was diagnosed with ALL in 2023. Despite multiple rounds of chemotherapy, her cancer persisted. Under the care of Dr. Nishad Dhakate, Consultant Hematology, she underwent CAR T-cell therapy—a pioneering step in her journey toward recovery.
“As a medical professional, I knew my condition was critical. But I also knew that science evolves, and sometimes, miracles are born in the form of new treatments,” said Dr. Dubey. “Thanks to the incredible expertise and compassion at HCG Nagpur, I have been given a second chance—not just as a patient, but as a doctor and a mother.”
The second patient, Praful Gawande, 25, came from a rural area with very limited access to specialized care. Diagnosed with high-risk ALL, his disease had relapsed, and his family had nearly given up hope—emotionally and financially. He was treated by Dr. Rajat Rajeev Bajaj, Consultant Hematology, using the same CAR T-cell therapy platform.
“We had lost all hope. We even stopped discussing the future in our house,” said Praful Gawande, holding back tears. “This treatment didn’t just save my life—it restored my family’s faith in what’s possible, even for people like us from small villages with no means.”
What is CAR T-Cell Therapy?
CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-cell therapy is one of the most advanced forms of cancer treatment in the world. It involves collecting a patient’s T-cells (a type of immune cell), genetically modifying them in a lab to recognize and destroy cancer cells, and then reintroducing them into the patient’s body. This approach has shown tremendous promise for certain types of blood cancers that do not respond to traditional therapies.
“We are witnessing the dawn of a new era in cancer care,” said Dr. Nishad Dhakate. “The successful application of CAR T-cell therapy in these two cases shows that with the right infrastructure and expertise, even the most advanced treatments can be delivered in regional centres.”
Dr. Rajat Bajajadded“Praful’s case reminds us that cancer care must not be bound by geography or privilege,this therapy was once thought of as science fiction. Today, it is saving lives in Nagpur.”
About HCG Cancer Centre, Nagpur
Part of Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd. (HCG)—India’s largest oncology-focused healthcare group—HCG Cancer Centre, Nagpur, is equipped with cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art labs, advanced radiation and surgical oncology units, and a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists. Accredited by NABH, the centre is committed to bringing world-class cancer care to Tier 2 cities and beyond.
With the introduction of CAR T-cell therapy, HCG Cancer Centre, Nagpur, has positioned itself among the elite cancer care institutions in India—offering hope, healing, and innovation to patients regardless of geography or background.
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