3-Year-Old Beats Brain Tumor Without Anesthesia at HCG Cancer Centre

Indore: The Pediatric Oncology Department at HCG Cancer Centre, Indore, has successfully treated a three-year-old child diagnosed with a brain tumor through radiation therapy — without the use of anesthesia.

This innovative and compassionate approach highlights how counseling, creativity, and precision can work together to make complex cancer treatments less stressful for young patients.

Typically, small children undergoing radiation therapy require anesthesia to remain still during the procedure. This is because precision is crucial in targeting the tumor area while avoiding damage to healthy tissue.

However, repeated exposure to anesthesia over several weeks can affect brain development, recovery, and overall well-being. In this case, the medical team, led by Dr. Amit Jain, Radiation Oncologist, took a different approach.

Instead of relying on anesthesia, they used continuous counseling and a friendly, child-centric environment to gain the little patient’s trust and cooperation throughout the treatment.

The child first visited HCG Cancer Centre on December 26, 2024, following biopsy and surgery.

For radiation, the team customized the immobilization mask — an essential part of radiation therapy that keeps the head still — into a colorful Spider-Man design, inspired by the child’s favorite superhero. This creative step helped reduce fear and anxiety, turning a clinical process into a comforting experience.

The patient underwent 30 sessions of radiation using 6 MV photons on a linear accelerator with RapidArc technology and was discharged on February 10, 2025. Daily image guidance was used to ensure high precision and safety throughout the treatment.

By avoiding anesthesia, doctors minimized potential side effects, reduced the child’s recovery time, and allowed for a normal diet and daily routine, leading to faster healing.

Dr. Amit Jain said, “Our focus was on combining accuracy with emotional support. With effective counseling and careful planning, we completed the treatment without anesthesia, ensuring both safety and comfort.”

Commenting on the case, Mr. George Alex, Regional Business Head – Western India, HCG, said, “This case reflects how compassion and innovation can transform cancer care for young patients.”

Mr. Nitin Bamaniya, Chief Operating Officer, HCG Cancer Centre, Indore, added, “Our philosophy is to look beyond treatment — focusing on the complete well-being of every patient. This case shows the importance of teamwork and empathy in achieving better outcomes.”

This experience reinforces how creative thinking, patient-friendly communication, and advanced technology can make pediatric cancer treatment safer, smoother, and emotionally supportive for both children and their families.