Pune: In a significant step towards strengthening blood cancer care in Pune’s eastern corridor, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar, a network hospital of Manipal Hospitals, has successfully performed an autologous stem cell transplant on a 46-year-old patient diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.
For Hadapsar resident Ritik Mehra, a mechanical engineer, a routine annual health check-up in January 2026 turned into a life-changing experience.
Despite having no symptoms and continuing his regular work routine, blood investigations revealed unusually low haemoglobin levels. Subsequent diagnostic tests confirmed IgA Lambda Multiple Myeloma, a cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow.
“The hardest part was not the treatment—it was accepting the diagnosis,” said Ritik Mehra.
“I was leading a normal life and had no symptoms. Suddenly learning that I had cancer was difficult to process. My wife remained positive throughout and encouraged me to focus on recovery. The treatment and transplant journey were much smoother than I had imagined, and today I am gradually returning to my normal routine.”
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As part of his blood cancer care treatment plan, Ritik underwent three cycles of chemotherapy.
Following the initial treatment, doctors recommended an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant, a procedure in which a patient’s own stem cells are used to restore healthy blood cell production after high-dose chemotherapy.
Ritik was admitted to Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar, on May 15, 2026. After receiving high-dose chemotherapy, his previously collected stem cells were reinfused on May 16, 2026.
The transplant procedure was completed successfully without complications, and he was discharged on June 2, 2026, with an excellent recovery.
Commenting on the case and the importance of timely blood cancer care, Dr. Chandrakant Lahane, Consultant Haematologist & Hemato-Oncologist, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar, said, “Multiple myeloma can often remain undetected in its early stages because patients may not experience obvious symptoms. In this case, routine screening played a crucial role in early diagnosis.
Autologous stem cell transplantation remains one of the most effective treatment options for eligible myeloma patients, helping achieve deeper remission and improved long-term outcomes.”
The successful transplant marks a major milestone in the hospital’s haematology services.
Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar, has now strengthened access to advanced blood cancer care and Bone Marrow Transplant services for patients across Hadapsar, Magarpatta, Kharadi, Wanowrie, Handewadi, Saswad, Baramati, Akluj, Solapur and neighbouring regions.
According to the Indian Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ISBMT), India recorded 26,843 bone marrow and stem cell transplants between 1983 and 2022.
However, experts estimate that while nearly 39,000 patients require transplants annually, only around 2,000 procedures are currently performed each year, highlighting the urgent need to expand blood cancer care infrastructure across the country.
Dr. Shashikant Apte, Director – Hematology, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Nagar Road, who guided the treatment throughout the case, said, “Strengthening regional transplant centres is essential to ensure that more patients receive timely, potentially curative treatment closer to home.
The successful establishment of transplant services at Hadapsar reflects our commitment to expanding access to advanced haematology care.”
Saghir Siddiqui, Regional Director – West, Manipal Hospitals, added, “This successful transplant reflects our commitment to improving access to highly specialized cancer care.
Expanding regional capabilities will play an important role in ensuring more patients can access timely, life-saving treatment.”
As India continues to address the growing burden of blood cancers and haematological disorders, healthcare experts believe that expanding transplant infrastructure, enhancing awareness, and improving access to specialized blood cancer care will be critical to improving patient outcomes and access to curative treatment.
