Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: In a ground-breaking medical achievement, a 15-year-old girl named Trupti has successfully undergone CAR-T cell therapy at SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, becoming the first patient in eastern Odisha and the fifth in India to receive this innovative treatment for acute leukemia.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy genetically modifies the patient’s T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells, offering hope for those who do not respond to conventional treatments.
Dr. Pushparaj Samantasinghar, Superintendent of SUM Hospital, praised the treatment as a landmark achievement for the region. The hospital has conducted over 70 bone marrow transplants and 150 robotic knee replacement surgeries, demonstrating its commitment to advanced medical care.
Dr. Priyanka Samal, Head of Clinical Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, emphasized the significance of making CAR-T cell therapy accessible locally, significantly reducing financial burdens on families. Previously, such treatments could cost crores abroad, but SUM Hospital now offers this life-changing therapy for Rs 30-35 lakh.
Trupti’s success story represents hope for many patients facing similar battles, as SUM Hospital continues to lead the way in providing cutting-edge cancer treatments in Odisha.
