CME highlights advances in paediatric oncology, bone marrow transplants

MUSCAT, SEPT 6
Advances in paediatric oncology and bone marrow transplantation were highlighted at a continuing medical education (CME) programme held at Intercity Hotel, Muscat, bringing together specialists and healthcare professionals from Oman and India.
The programme, titled 'Update on Pediatric Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplantation', was organised by Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, in association with the Oman Cancer Association and GlobalTreatmentServices. It was moderated by Dr Abdulhakeem al Rawas, Senior Consultant in Hematology, Oncology and Marrow Transplant.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Ganesh Jaishetwar, Senior Consultant Hematologist, Hemato-Oncologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician and Clinical Director in Hyderabad.
Dr Jaishetwar said blood cancers and blood disorders are entering a new era of treatment, with advances in bone marrow transplantation, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, precision diagnostics and supportive care improving outcomes for patients.
He stressed the importance of early diagnosis and timely referral, noting that persistent anaemia, low platelet counts, unexplained fever, swollen lymph nodes, bone pain, recurrent infections, unexplained bruising or bleeding and repeated transfusion requirements should not be overlooked.
The CME highlighted the importance of close collaboration among paediatricians, physicians, oncologists, haematologists and transplant teams in ensuring timely intervention.
Dr Jaishetwar also shared the experience of Yashoda Hospitals, which has performed more than 1,000 bone marrow transplants, highlighting advances in donor selection, haploidentical transplantation, infection control, graft engineering and post-transplant monitoring.
He said bone marrow transplantation should no longer be viewed solely as a last-resort treatment, but as a planned and potentially curative option for appropriately selected patients.
The programme also highlighted the growing healthcare cooperation between Oman and India and the importance of strengthening professional and scientific collaboration to improve access to advanced treatments.
The session concluded with an emphasis on early suspicion, timely referral and multidisciplinary cooperation as key factors in improving outcomes for children and adults with serious blood disorders.