In a landmark achievement for paediatric cancer care in Rajasthan, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur has successfully treated a 2-year-old girl, who was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer that affects approximately 1 in 18,000 children. This complex case marks the first Ophthalmic Artery Chemosurgery procedure performed at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur successfully carried out by Dr. Manish Rajput, Senior Consultant, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur and team.
At the time of initial diagnosis at AIIMS, Delhi the cancer had already advanced significantly in the toddler’s left eye, leaving no option but surgical removal to save her life. While the family was still coping with the emotional trauma of losing one eye, follow-up evaluations revealed devastating news — the cancer had begun affecting the right eye, threatening complete blindness. The parents began searching for hope beyond conventional treatment options. During this difficult journey, they were guided to Dr. Manish Rajput, Senior Consultant, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur recognized as the only specialist in Rajasthan performing advanced Ophthalmic Artery Chemosurgery (OAC) for retinoblastoma.
The child was then brought to Fortis Jaipur, where Dr. Rajput and the multidisciplinary team evaluated her condition and planned a vision-saving strategy. The team performed Ophthalmic Artery Chemosurgery (OAC) — a highly specialized, minimally invasive technique, in which chemotherapy is delivered directly into the ophthalmic artery supplying the eye tumor. The procedure was successfully performed, offering the child a chance to preserve vision in her remaining eye.
Giving details of the case, Dr. Manish Rajput, Senior Consultant, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur said, “This targeted therapy allows high concentration of medication at the tumor site, minimal systemic side effects, improved chances of saving the eye and preserving vision and faster recovery and reduced hospital stay. Beyond being a clinical milestone, this achievement represents
a beacon of hope for families facing retinoblastoma and other complex pediatric cancers. From losing one eye to facing the threat of blindness, this young child’s journey reflects resilience, advanced medical science, and the power of timely intervention.”
Dr Manish Kumar Agarwal, Facility Director, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur said, “With cutting-edge, image-guided therapies now available closer to home, children in Rajasthan and beyond have access to treatments that not only save lives — but also preserve sight and future possibilities. Fortis Hospital congratulates Dr. Manish Rajput and the entire multidisciplinary team for bringing this advanced eye-saving therapy to the region.”
