THE Chinese University of Hong Kong's bone marrow transplant unit has carried out the first successful paediatric blood stem cell transplants in Southeast Asia.
This was revealed by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor Arthur Li.
Three child leukaemia patients have been treated with this method.
Ming-ming, seven, was one of the first patients to be treated by the new method some three months ago. 'I feel much better and am recovering quite fast, thanks to my elder brother who is my donor,' she said.
More than 30 children in the territory with leukaemia are on the waiting list. The average waiting time is 30 to 40 weeks.
According to Mr Li, a bone marrow transplant is an established treatment for patients with a variety of cancers and blood diseases. Collection of bone marrow is, however, a painful procedure requiring multiple punctures over the pelvic bone of the donor.