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
- 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 match (HLA match). Used for leukemia, aplastic anemia, and genetic disorders.
- Umbilical cord transplant: This is a procedure that uses stem cells from umbilical cord blood to treat blood disorders and cancer.
Indications for Bone Marrow Transplant
A BMT is used to treat several diseases, including:
Blood Cancers: Leukemia (ALL, AML, CML), Lymphoma (Hodgkin’s & Non-Hodgkin’s), and Multiple Myeloma.
Non-Cancerous Conditions: Aplastic anemia, Sickle cell disease, Thalassemia, and Immune system disorders.
Process of Bone Marrow Transplant
1. Pre-Transplant Evaluation & Preparation
Tests include blood tests, organ function tests, bone marrow biopsy, and HLA typing for allogeneic transplants. Donor search as needed. Conditioning involves high-dose chemo/radiation to destroy diseased marrow.2. Stem Cell Collection
Stem cells for autologous bone marrow transplants are harvested from the patient before conditioning, while donor stem cells for allogeneic transplants are collected from bone marrow or peripheral blood.3. Transplantation (Infusion of Stem Cells)
Stem cells are injected into the bloodstream, making their way to the bone marrow to generate new blood cells.4. Recovery & Engraftment
Stem cells take 2-4 weeks to engraft and create blood cells, requiring close monitoring at a medical facility.Recovery and Post-Transplant Care
- Close monitoring for 100 days (high-risk period for complications).
- Immunosuppressive medications (to prevent GVHD).
- Regular blood tests and doctor visits.
- Avoiding infections, vaccines, and a special diet.
Risks and Complications
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (in allogeneic transplants)
- Infections (due to weak immune system)
- Organ damage (liver, kidneys, lungs)
- Bleeding and anemia
- Rejection or failure of transplanted cells
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