Bengaluru, June 24: Doctors at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, successfully treated a nine-month-old baby girl from Anantapur diagnosed with a rare germ cell tumour involving her lower back. The child was brought to the hospital after her family noticed a rapidly enlarging swelling that had progressed over two to three months. Further investigations, including imaging, biopsy and tumour marker analysis, confirmed the diagnosis.
The size and location of the mass made the case particularly complex, as it was situated close to major nerves and would have required extensive surgery if treated upfront, carrying the risk of long-term developmental complications. Following multidisciplinary discussions, the team decided to begin with protocol-based chemotherapy and inserted a chemo port for safe administration of treatment.
The tumour showed a significant response within the first two cycles, with the swelling reducing considerably over the course of treatment. After completing six cycles of chemotherapy, MRI scans confirmed complete regression of the tumour. This allowed doctors to perform a relatively straightforward surgery to remove the residual mass without causing lasting neurological effects.
The child recovered well during treatment, with improvements in appetite, energy levels and weight gain. Nearly a year after completing therapy, she remains disease-free and has achieved age-appropriate milestones, including walking and running normally.
Dr Neema Bhat, Senior Clinical Haematologist and Paediatric Oncologist, Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, said,
“The location of the tumour made surgery at presentation particularly difficult, with the possibility of affecting important nerves and causing long-term disability. Since germ cell tumours generally respond very well to chemotherapy, we opted to start treatment first, which resulted in significant shrinkage of the mass. This enabled a much less extensive surgery and allowed the child to continue normal growth and development. Cases like these highlight the importance of early diagnosis and a coordinated multidisciplinary approach.”
Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road currently treats more than 50 paediatric haematology and oncology patients and offers advanced therapies including immunotherapy, targeted therapy and stem cell transplantation, with many children achieving excellent outcomes with minimal long-term side effects.