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It began with a diagnosis that felt like a death sentence: Stage IV bone cancer, already spreading from an 11-year-old girl’s leg to both of her lungs. While the initial news plunged her mother into a whirlwind of panic and lost hope, what followed was a testament to human resilience. Through the quiet courage of a child who refused to back down and the world-class expertise of the team at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Okhla, a story of certain loss was rewritten into one of survival.
The complex and emotionally challenging case was managed by a dedicated multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Archit Pandit, Director & Head of Department, Surgical Oncology, along with Dr. Vineet Goel, Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Okhla.
When the young patient first arrived at Fortis Escorts Okhla, she was unable to walk, her childhood abruptly interrupted by pain, repeated hospital visits, and fear. Dependent on a wheelchair and crutches due to an aggressive malignant bone tumour in her leg, she had grown withdrawn and exhausted by the ordeal. The family had earlier been told that amputation was the only possible solution, news that left both the child and her mother devastated.
Refusing to see amputation as the only path forward, the oncology team at Fortis chose a more advanced limb-preserving approach -one that focused not only on saving her life, but also on protecting her dignity, mobility, and future.
Under the care of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, including orthopaedic oncology specialists, the child underwent limb conservation surgery, successfully avoiding amputation. The surgery involved removal of the cancer-affected bone followed by reconstruction, giving her a chance to stand- and slowly believe-again.
However, the journey was far from over. The cancer had already spread silently from the bone to both lungs, demanding further aggressive treatment. The young patient went on to receive systematic chemotherapy and staged lung surgeries as part of a carefully planned treatment strategy.
A left lung metastasectomy was performed a few months after the bone surgery, followed by a right lung metastasectomy, during which multiple tumour deposits were removed.
These procedures were carried out using minimally invasive robotic and VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) techniques, helping reduce physical trauma and allowing faster recovery.
Between hospital stays, chemotherapy cycles, and three major surgeries, the 11-year-old fought her battle quietly—often exhausted, sometimes fearful, but always supported by her mother, who remained by her side through every setback and small victory.
Giving details of the case, Dr. Archit Pandit, Director & HOD, Surgical Oncology, Fortis Escorts Okhla said, “Advances in surgical oncology, precision chemotherapy, and minimally invasive lung surgery are transforming outcomes for children with advanced cancers, provided treatment is timely and comprehensive. Post treatment, today, the girl is walking independently without support, cancer-free, and on the path to recovery—an outcome that underscores a powerful message: even Stage IV bone cancers with lung metastasis can be treated and cured when managed with the right combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The patient’s story stands as a beacon of hope for families facing advanced childhood cancers, reinforcing that Stage IV is not the end of the road and that limb preservation, cure, and quality of life are achievable with the right expertise and support.”
Dr Vineet Goel, Consultant, Surgical Oncology at Fortis Escorts, Okhla said, “When this child first came to us, she was frightened, in pain, and unable to walk. Beyond treating the cancer, our responsibility was to protect her childhood and her future. Choosing limb preservation over amputation meant giving her a chance to walk, run, and live without lifelong disability. Seeing her walk independently today is deeply rewarding—not just for the doctors, but for everyone who believed that courage, science, and compassion could change her story. An important and deeply moving aspect of the patient’s journey was she comes from a humble socio-economic background, and Mr. Aman Trehan and Mr. Abhishek Trehan of Trehan Builders extended financial support to her family, which enabled them to afford the costly treatment. Their support ensured that the patient could undergo all three surgeries and complete her treatment without interruption—highlighting the critical role that corporate social responsibility can play in saving lives.”
Dr Vikram Aggarwal, Facility Director, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi said, “This was a challenging case. However, our dedicated team of doctors, led by Dr. Archit Pandit and Dr Vineet Goel demonstrated outstanding expertise and teamwork. This successful outcome reinforces our position as a centre of excellence and also highlights Fortis’ commitment to advanced cancer care, precision surgery and compassionate support for patients.”
Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. Currently, the Fortis operates 36 healthcare facilities (including JVs and O&M facilities) across 12 states and union territories. The Company’s network comprises over 6,000 operational beds (including O&M beds) and 400 diagnostics labs.
