Indore, 31st October 2025: In a groundbreaking milestone for the Pediatric Oncology Department at HCG Cancer Centre, Indore, the team successfully treated a child diagnosed with a brain tumor. Traditionally, young children undergoing radiation therapy require anesthesia to remain still during treatment sessions. However, for this three-year-old patient, Dr. Amit Jain, Radiation Oncologist, adopted a unique counselling-based and child-friendly approach that helped the child cooperate fully throughout both treatment and radiation.
The child first visited HCG Cancer Centre on December 26, 2024, after undergoing biopsy and surgery the child underwent a smooth procedure of radiation therapy. According to medical experts, prolonged and daily exposure to anesthesia in children can potentially affect brain development. Hence, in this exceptional case, the entire radiation procedure was performed without the use of anesthesia.
To make the process engaging and less intimidating, the essential immobilization mask crucial for precise radiation delivery was customized as a Spider-Man mask, allowing the child to connect with his favorite superhero during therapy. The patient completed 30 fractions of radiation using 6 MV photons on a linear accelerator with RapidArc technology and was discharged on February 10, 2025.
“Our goal was to make the treatment experience as stress-free as possible for the child and his family. By combining medical precision with emotional care, we ensured accuracy without the need for anesthesia,” said Dr. Amit Jain, Radiation Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Indore, who led the treatment.
Daily image guidance ensured high precision and safety, while avoiding anesthesia minimized potential side effects, reduced recovery time, and allowed the child to maintain a regular routine and diet promoting faster recovery. This case stands as a testament to how compassionate counselling, cutting-edge technology, and creative problem-solving can make complex cancer treatments safer and more child-friendly.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. George Alex, Western India Regional Business Head at HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG), said, “This clinical milestone exemplifies HCG’s commitment to advancing cancer care through compassion, innovation, and precision. Treating such a young patient without anesthesia showcases how technology and human touch can come together to create life-changing outcomes.”
Mr. Nitin Bamaniya, Chief Operating Officer, HCG Cancer Centre, Indore, further added, “Our philosophy extends beyond treatment — it’s about ensuring the overall well-being of every patient. This case underlines the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in delivering holistic, patient-focused cancer care.”
This achievement marks a significant advancement in pediatric radiation oncology, demonstrating how innovative techniques and empathetic communication can transform the cancer care experience for children.