Bone Marrow Transplant

What is Bone Marrow Transplant?

Also known as Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, it is a complex and potentially life-saving procedure where healthy stem cells are infused into the body to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow.

Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones that produces:

Red blood cells (erythrocytes)
White blood cells (leukocytes)
Platelets

Conditions That May Require a Transplant

Leukemia
Lymphoma
Multiple myeloma
Aplastic anemia
Congenital neutropenia
Neuroblastoma
POEMS syndrome
Adrenoleukodystrophy
Plasma cell disorders
Thalassemia

Types of Bone Marrow Transplant

1. Autologous Transplant

Uses the patient's own stem cells (collected via apheresis). Also called a "rescue transplant".

2. Allogeneic Transplant

Uses donor stem cells (related or unrelated). Requires tissue matching.

3. Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant

Uses stem cells from a newborn's umbilical cord. Less chance of compatibility, but viable in some cases.

Procedure Steps

Pre-Transplant

Bone marrow testing
Physical evaluation
Medical history review

Conditioning Process

Chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy diseased cells and suppress immune system

Transplantation

Central venous catheter inserted into the upper chest
Healthy stem cells infused into bloodstream
No surgical cutting required

Engraftment

New marrow begins producing healthy blood cells
May take ~1 month

Recovery and Aftercare

Full recovery may take up to 3 months
Nutrition and lifestyle play a crucial role

Recommendations:

Stay hydrated
Avoid alcohol
Eat a high-fiber, low-sodium diet
Include green vegetables and lean proteins

Risks and Complications

GVHD (Graft-Versus-Host Disease)
Graft failure
Infections
Bleeding or blood clots
Cancer or anemia recurrence
Nausea, vomiting, chest pain
Infertility or early menopause

Success Factors

Donor-recipient compatibility
Patient age and overall health
Underlying condition
Procedure technique

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Type of Transplant Is Safer?
A: Autologous is generally safer due to no rejection risk.

Q: How Long Is the Hospital Stay?
A: Varies; may be outpatient or extend due to conditioning therapy.

Q: Can I Live a Normal Life After Transplant?
A: Yes, though initial months involve fatigue. Gradual return to normalcy expected.

Q: Ideal Donor Age?
A: 18–35 years is preferred; any healthy person under 60 may be eligible.

Q: Donor Recovery Time?
A: Typically within 3 weeks. Most return to normal activity after 21 days.