In Gujarat, siblings donate stem cells for raksha, deepen bandhan
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The life-saving solution came from an unlikely source — her half-brother Aman, the son of her father's first wife, who turned out to be a suitable donor.
Doctors said that, at the time, the families of the two wives did not share cordial relations. But when Dhara's life was on the line, both families rose above old disputes. Aman agreed to undergo the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing, and when he was found to be a haploidentical match, he donated his stem cells without hesitation.
Dr Nidhi Jain, hemato-oncologist and BMT specialist at Zydus Hospital, who oversaw the treatment, said the transplant was successful. "There were moments when her condition worsened and she had to be given radiation and other intensive treatments. But she responded well. After nearly three years of treatment, she's healthy. She got married and recently became a mother," said Dr Jain.
The city has seen several such sibling-driven transplant cases in recent years.
"In one instance, a 55-year-old woman from the city received a stem cell donation from her elder brother, who is a teacher. The patient was suffering from acute myeloid leukaemia and her condition was deteriorating. In this case, too, the brother emerged as a saviour, due to which the patient is leading a normal life now," said Dr Jain.
Another case involved Sangeeta, 48, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
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Her life was dotted with regular hospital visits, chemotherapy sessions, and an uncertain future, but her brother Rajesh had different plans. Medical experts at the BMT unit of Apollo Hospitals said that the brother was a full match and the transplant was carried out soon after. "It has been three years since, and the siblings have stood by each other through thick and thin.
She is completely healthy and is leading a normal life.
Sangeeta often says that her brother's strength gave her the courage to face one of the toughest battles of her life," said a senior BMT expert at Apollo Hospitals.
Experts said that such cases not only highlight the resilience of the family but also the unshakeable bond the siblings share.
(Patients and donors' names changed to protect identity)
Why siblings are preferred donors for BMT
Bone marrow transplant (BMT), also known as stem cell transplant, is a procedure to treat leukaemia by replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy blood-forming stem cells, said experts.
"The procedure is not for all leukaemia patients, but those who are eligible for it often show good results. Siblings are often the best stem cell donors due to a higher possibility of HLA match. Compatibility is an important factor, and we often prefer such donors for long-term good results," said a BMT expert.
"Compared to a decade ago, the number of procedures increased due to the availability of technology and expertise.
It is often life-saving. The patients may require medication or even minor procedures, but overall the results are encouraging."
Sisters more likely to donate kidneys than receive them
Ahmedabad: Figures from the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) show a notable gender disparity among living kidney donors. Over the past three years, 20 sisters have donated kidneys to save their brothers, while only three brothers have done the same for their sisters.
Doctors say the higher incidence of kidney disease among men is one factor. In one such recent case, three sisters came forward to donate a kidney to their brother, Kiran Patel. Sushila, the best match, went ahead with the transplant, fully supported by her family. "It was a moment of complete unity — all three sisters stepped up, and one gave him a new lease of life," said a senior IKDRC official.
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