Prayagraj Hospital Achieves Milestone with First TACE Procedure on Toddler
In a landmark achievement for pediatric cancer care, Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital (KNMH) in Prayagraj has successfully performed its inaugural Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) procedure. The patient was a two-year-old girl diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of liver cancer that primarily affects young children.
A Pioneering Procedure in Pediatric Oncology
The groundbreaking TACE procedure was conducted on Monday, representing a significant leap forward for the hospital's interventional radiology and oncology departments. Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization is a modern, minimally invasive treatment technique that delivers high concentrations of chemotherapy drugs directly to cancerous tumors through targeted blood vessels.
This approach maximizes the therapeutic impact on malignant cells while substantially reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The procedure was executed by a specialized multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Daksh Chandra, Head of the Department of Interventional Radiology, in collaboration with Dr. Manas Dubey, Consultant in Medical Oncology, and Dr. Sapan Srivastava, Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology.
Medical Details and Treatment Success
For this particular case, the medical team employed a potent combination of two widely recognized anti-cancer medications: Doxorubicin and Cisplatin. This drug cocktail was strategically administered to aggressively attack the tumor while preserving the child's healthy liver tissue.
"The treatment outcome was successful, and the young patient remained clinically stable following the procedure," confirmed Dr. Sapan Srivastava. "Since TACE eliminates the need for traditional open surgery, our patient experienced a remarkably swift recovery and was transferred to the general ward on the same day as the intervention."
Patient Journey and Diagnostic Path
The two-year-old girl had been under continuous treatment at KNMH since May 2025. Her medical journey began when she was initially brought to the hospital presenting with persistent fever. Subsequent comprehensive medical investigations revealed a substantial lesion occupying the right lobe of her liver.
Following the hepatoblastoma diagnosis, she commenced a carefully monitored chemotherapy regimen. Her complex case was later evaluated by the hospital's specialized Tumor Board, which recommended advancing to the interventional TACE procedure as the most appropriate therapeutic approach.
Comprehensive Support System
Recognizing the family's financial constraints, the hospital's social work department proactively secured financial assistance amounting to Rs 2 lakh from the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Additional crucial support was provided through CanKids, a dedicated organization that supplied essential medications throughout the treatment process.
KNMH's administration, under the leadership of CEO Dr. Madhu Chandra, ensured the child received comprehensive care including a complimentary hospital bed, nutritional food provisions, and continuous supportive medical attention.
A New Era in Cancer Care
Hospital authorities have hailed this successful procedure as a transformative milestone that underscores KNMH's unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge, patient-centered cancer care. This achievement not only expands treatment options for pediatric oncology patients in the region but also establishes new standards for minimally invasive cancer interventions in young children.
The successful integration of advanced medical technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and compassionate patient support systems demonstrates how modern healthcare institutions can address complex pediatric conditions while maintaining sensitivity to socioeconomic challenges faced by families during critical medical treatments.
