Bone Marrow Transplantation: Types, Procedure & Success Rate
What is a Bone Marrow Transplant? A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a medical procedure used to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It is also called a stem cell transplant . Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones that produces blood cells: Red blood cells (RBCs) – Carry oxygen White blood cells (WBCs) – Fight infections Platelets – Help with blood clotting When bone marrow is damaged due to diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, or severe anemia, a transplant can restore its function. Types of Bone Marrow Transplants There are two main types of bone marrow transplant : Autologous Transplant: The patient's own stem cells are collected, stored, and then reinfused after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation. Used for lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and certain solid tumors. Allogeneic Transplant: Stem cells come from a donor (a sibling, unrelated donor, or umbilical cord blood). Requires a genetic...