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| Doctors performing a bone marrow transplant for a pediatric patient |
According to statistics from Hue Central Hospital, to date, the hospital has successfully performed 60 pediatric bone marrow transplants, including 50 autologous transplants for solid tumors such as neuroblastoma, metastatic retinoblastoma, and relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma; and 10 allogeneic transplants for children with congenital hemolytic anemia (Thalassemia).
Among them, the 50th autologous bone marrow transplant was performed on a 5-year-old girl, T.T.D., from Lam Dong, who was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma. After an initial round of induction therapy showing a positive response, the patient underwent autologous stem cell transplantation in May 2025 and experienced hematopoietic recovery after 28 days. She is now preparing to enter the post-transplant radiation phase and is in stable condition.
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| Post-transplant care for the pediatric patient |
Within less than a year since the first allogeneic transplant (September 2024), the hospital has successfully carried out 10 allogeneic stem cell transplants to treat Thalassemia - a remarkable number demonstrating rapid advancement in medical expertise. Notably, two of these cases involved blood group incompatibility, applying immune suppression techniques for the first time in Vietnam.
The bone marrow transplant cases include: B.T.D., a 9-year-old child of Muong ethnicity from Kon Tum received a transplant from an HLA-matched older brother and achieved platelet and white blood cell recovery by the 17th day after transplantation. N.H.H., a 2-year-old from Bac Giang, was transplanted with stem cells from a 7-year-old brother who, despite carrying the disease gene and having a mismatched blood type, was still able to donate thanks to the application of immune suppression techniques. The patient showed good recovery after 15 and 26 days. L.N.H., a 10-year-old from Da Nang, received a transplant from a fully HLA-matched younger sister. Although the patient experienced complications from sepsis, full recovery was achieved by the 19th day post-transplant.
Ms. L., the mother of B.T.D. (9 years old, from Kon Tum), emotionally shared during the discharge ceremony: “When my child was diagnosed with Thalassemia, it felt like I had fallen into a deep abyss of despair. She was so little, yet had to endure blood transfusions, constant fatigue, and a pale complexion for so many years. But when the doctors mentioned the possibility of a bone marrow transplant, it felt like seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Now, seeing her healthy, with restored blood counts and rosy cheeks, I still can't believe it's real. Our family is deeply grateful to the doctors and medical staff - they not only brought our child back to life but also gave a mother hope and faith again.”
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| Hue Central Hospital holds discharge ceremony for pediatric patients |
According to Prof. Dr. Pham Nhu Hiep, Director of Hue Central Hospital, the technique of blood group-incompatible stem cell transplantation requires close coordination between multiple specialties. Instead of separating red blood cells - a process that reduces the effectiveness of stem cells - the hospital applies a method of slow donor blood infusion to lower antibody titers, thereby preserving stem cell viability to the greatest extent and increasing the success rate.
This success not only affirms the professional capabilities of Hue Central Hospital - the first medical facility in the Central - Central Highlands region and the third one nationwide to perform bone marrow transplantation - but also opens up the chance of survival for many children with life-threatening illnesses. Thanks to this technique, children who once depended on blood transfusions and faced the risk of organ failure and death can now return to normal life and grow physically like their peers.
Beyond Thalassemia, stem cell transplantation is also a promising treatment approach for other serious conditions such as aplastic anemia, congenital immunodeficiency, and various forms of blood cancer. In the near future, Hue Central Hospital will continue to promote research, technology transfer, and expansion of this technique, aiming to become a leading stem cell transplant center in Vietnam.