The Department of Medical Oncology SKIMS, Srinagar on Wednesday conducted the first Pediatric Autologous Stem Cell transplant of a five-year-old child suffering from Neuroblastoma.The spokesman said Dr Huma first female oncologist at SKIMS conducted the procedure. Dr Huma in a statement said that five-year-old patient identified as Rather Azan hailing from Rafiabad Baramulla post-chemotherapy re-assessment showed partial remission and was subsequently planned for autologous stem cell transplant. The patient has completed 100 days post-transplant without any complication.“Stem cell transplant is performed in patients suffering from blood-related diseases such as Multiple Myeloma, Neuroblastoma, leukaemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma & Hodgkin lymphoma. In an autologous transplant, stem cells are collected from the patient themselves, harvested, frozen and stored, then given back to the patient after intensive therapy,” the spokesman quoted Dr Huma explaining.Dr Sheikh Aijaz Aziz HOD, Medical Oncology said in its concerted effort to provide major patient care facilities to patients suffering from life-threatening diseases conducted first pediatric stem cell transplant successfully. We have state of art set up available for such patients who otherwise have to go outside for such treatments.Director SKIMS/EOSG Dr Omar Javed Shah lauded the department for conducting the procedure. Such procedures and treatment facility available at SKIMS provide major relief to patients who otherwise have to go outside the state and pay exorbitant rates for such procedures, he added. (PTK)