By Agencies
Kolkata, 7th September 2026 : Prabal Roy, 59, had just one year of service left when life came to a sudden halt as mild joint pain that he was experiencing two years ago spiralled into severe, almost unbearable agony. Medical investigations revealed that he had multiple myeloma — a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow that can affect immunity, bones and kidney function.
Mr Roy, a former production manager at Castrol India Ltd, feared the worst. The pain was so intense that he could barely turn in bed. Today, after undergoing advanced cancer treatment, including targeted immunotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant at HCG Cancer Hospital, Kolkata, his disease is in remission.
He had initially started treatment at a hospital near his home in Behala but was not satisfied with the outcome. An acquaintance then told him about the positive results achieved under Dr ArijitBishnu, Consultant, Haematology& BMT, HCG Cancer Hospital, Kolkata. That brought him to the New Town hospital.
“I could not bear the slightest jerk at the time. My car had to travel at barely 20kmph for the 24km journey from Behala to New Town,” Mr Roy recalled.
His bone pain was a typical warning sign of multiple myeloma, which can erode and weaken bones from within the marrow. Assessment revealed that he had stage III disease. DrBishnu started him on targeted immunotherapy, which works by attacking specific markers on cancerous plasma cells, such as CD38, while sparing surrounding healthy cells more than conventional chemotherapy.
Mr Roy subsequently underwent an autologous stem cell transplant, a procedure in which a patient’s own blood-forming stem cells are collected, stored and later infused back after high-dose chemotherapy to help the bone marrow recover. “During the stem cell treatment, I had to stay in hospital for 36 days confined to the cabin to reduce infection risk. It was a period of great anxiety for me and my wife,” he said.
The results were encouraging. He was later put on IV immunotherapy till December 2024. By then, his pain had subsided and he was walking independently. Oral medicines continued. One year later, his blood report showed no detectable M-band, suggesting absence of measurable disease. The finding was reconfirmed in March 2025, indicating remission.
“Early diagnosis, followed by timely and appropriate treatment, can lead to good outcomes, prevent morbidity and preserve quality of life,” said DrBishnu.
“Targeted immunotherapy, combined with autologous stem cell transplant in suitable patients, has changed the treatment outlook for multiple myeloma by enabling deeper remission and better quality of life,” said DrRupali Basu, Regional Business Head – East & AP, HCG Cancer Hospitals.
About HCG Cancer Hospital, Kolkata
HCG Cancer Centre, Newtown, Kolkata, is a dedicated single-specialty cancer hospital offering comprehensive cancer care across medical, surgical and radiation oncology. Part of HCG — Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd., one of India’s largest cancer care networks — the Kolkata centre follows a multidisciplinary approach, bringing diagnosis, treatment, technology and specialist expertise under one roof. Accredited by NABH under the 5th edition standards, the hospital is equipped with advanced facilities including robotic surgery, CAR-T cell therapy, LINAC and PET-CT, among others. With a strong focus on patient-centric care, early detection, screening and innovation, HCG remains committed to adding “life to years” through specialised cancer care.
For further queries please contact:
Rith Basu – senior manager, PR – HCG Cancer Hospital, Kolkata
9836578378
rith.basu@hcgel.com
