Key Takeaways of Bone Marrow Transplant

• Type of Procedure: Medical (non-surgical), involves infusion of stem cells
• Duration: Several hours for infusion; full process may span weeks
• Anesthesia Used: No anesthesia needed for infusion; sedation may be used for stem cell collection
• Recovery Time: Initial recovery in 2 to 6 weeks; full immune recovery may take 6 months to a year

Types of Bone Marrow Transplant

Bone marrow transplants can be classified based on the source of the stem cells used. The main types include:

• Autologous Transplant: The patient's own stem cells are collected, stored, and then re-infused after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation. Used mainly for conditions like lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
• Allogeneic Transplant: Stem cells are collected from a genetically matched donor (related or unrelated). Commonly used for leukemia, aplastic anemia, and immune disorders.
• Syngeneic Transplant: The donor is an identical twin, offering a perfect genetic match with minimal risk of rejection or GVHD. Rare but ideal due to low complication rates.
• Haploidentical Transplant: A type of allogeneic transplant where the donor is a half-match (usually a parent or child). Useful when a full match is not available.
• Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant: Uses stem cells collected from a newborn's umbilical cord, stored in cord blood banks. Often used in pediatric cases or when matched donors are not available.

Indications of Bone Marrow Transplant

The bone marrow transplant is performed according to the patient's medical condition, disease stage, and overall health. Here are some common reasons for needing a transplant:

• Leukemias: Fills damaged marrow with healthy cells to treat acute and chronic leukemias.
• Lymphomas: Replenishes bone marrow after intensive chemotherapy or radiation for Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• Aplastic Anemia: Replaces failing bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
• Sickle Cell Disease & Thalassemia: Replacing defective cells with healthy cells that produce normal hemoglobin provides a cure.
• SCID & Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome: Repair immune and blood cell defects
• Fanconi Anemia: A treatment indicated for bone marrow failure and genetic abnormalities.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS): Replaces the immune system to suppress autoimmune behavior
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Reserved for severe, refractory patients.
• Rescue Therapy: After high-dose chemotherapy for tumors, such as neuroblastoma, restores bone marrow and immune function.
• Hurler Syndrome & ALD: Supplies enzymes or stops disease progression
• Salvage Therapy: When initial treatments fail, or the disease returns.

Which Specialist will do the Bone Marrow Transplant Procedure?

A hematologist-oncologist conducts a bone marrow transplant. These professionals specialize in treating blood problems, cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma, and other related ailments.

Medicover Hospitals expert haematologist-oncologists and interdisciplinary team give world-class care to patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation in India. Medicover Hospitals, which is equipped with cutting-edge equipment and adheres to global standards, is a trusted name in transplantation.

If you're considering having a bone marrow transplant in India, talk to one of our trained specialists at Medicover Hospitals. You'll get expert care and specialized therapy that is suited to your specific needs.

Preparing for Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)

Bone marrow transplant (BMT) preparation is one of the important steps to make the BMT successful by reducing the risk of complications. Here's what to know ahead of time during the preparation phase:

Medical Evaluation

• A comprehensive assessment by your transplant team along with blood tests, scans, and physical examinations to determine your suitability for transplant.
• Assessing your medical history and current health for the best type of transplant.

Conditioning Therapy

• You may then have chemotherapy or radiation to kill off damaged bone marrow and suppress the immune system, clearing space for healthy stem cells to grow.
• Your conditioning may be specific to your condition and treatment plan and can range in type and intensity.

Donor Matching (for Allogeneic Transplant)

• If you are receiving donor stem cells, matching someone to you is key. HLA (human leukocyte antigen) typing ensures compatibility.
• Donors may be siblings, volunteers who happen to be unrelated, or stem cells from a bank of cord blood.

Emotionally and Psychologically Prepared

• Counseling sessions are used to help get patients ready for the emotional toll the procedure can take.
• Family and friends can be a great source of support, as can joining patient support groups.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Quit smoking, reduce your alcohol exposure and adopt a healthy diet to enhance your chances of recovery.
• Get vaccinations or medications prescribed by your doctor to make your immunity stronger.

Medicover Hospitals in India offers complete bone marrow transplant preparation guidelines for patients. Our expert team prepares you physically and psychologically to maximize the results.

Procedure of Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Surgery

During a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) surgery, several critical steps are undertaken to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. The procedure involves the following key stages:

Bone Marrow Transplant Process

• Preparative Regimen: Patients undergo high-dose chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both to destroy existing bone marrow cells, suppress the immune system, and create space for new stem cells.
• Stem Cell Infusion: Healthy stem cells are infused into the bloodstream and travel to the bone marrow to start producing new blood cells.
• Engraftment: Transplanted stem cells settle in the bone marrow and begin generating new blood cells, monitored closely by the medical team.
• Recovery and Supportive Care: Close monitoring and supportive care are provided, including blood transfusions, antibiotics, and treatments for complications.
• Immune System Recovery: The immune system gradually recovers as new stem cells produce blood cells; patients must avoid infections during this phase.
• Monitoring and Follow-up: Regular check-ups and monitoring ensure successful recovery and management of any complications.

Key Points

• A multidisciplinary team, including haematologists, nurses, and transplant coordinators, supports and monitors your health throughout the process.
• Risks include graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), infections, and organ damage.
• Success depends on transplant type (autologous or allogeneic), the condition treated, patient health, and donor-recipient compatibility.

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Side Effects of Bone Marrow Transplant

Bone marrow transplant (BMT) can cause various side effects, which vary depending on the type of transplant, patient health, and treatment used. Common side effects include:

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness is common during and after treatment.
• Nausea and vomiting: Often caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Hair loss: A temporary side effect of high-dose treatments before transplant.
• Appetite loss: Many patients experience changes in taste and decreased hunger.
• Fever and chills: Usually due to infections or the body's response to new cells.
• Skin rashes or dryness: Can occur due to graft-versus-host disease or medications.
• Diarrhea or abdominal pain: Resulting from gastrointestinal irritation or GVHD.
• Mouth sores (mucositis): Painful ulcers can make eating and drinking difficult.
• Low blood counts: Leading to anemia, increased bleeding, or risk of infections.
• Mood changes: Anxiety, depression, or emotional stress during recovery.

Recovery After Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)

Recovery after a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) surgery is a gradual process that involves several stages, each with its own challenges and milestones. The duration and specifics of recovery can vary based on factors such as the type of transplant (autologous or allogeneic), the underlying condition, and individual health. Here's an overview of the recovery phases:

Initial Post-Transplant Period

• Critical for engraftment as transplanted stem cells produce new blood cells.
• Close observation for engraftment, infections, and complications.
• Continued supportive care with antibiotics, antifungals, and blood transfusions.

Neutrophil and Platelet Recovery

• Monitoring recovery of neutrophils and platelets to enhance infection-fighting and prevent bleeding.

Immune System Reconstitution

• Gradual immune system recovery over months; precautions against infections are crucial.
• Frequent follow-up appointments are necessary to verify immune system recovery.

Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD)

• Allogeneic transplant recipients may experience GVHD affecting the skin, GI tract, and organs.
• Preventive medications and treatments to manage GVHD risks and symptoms.

Long-Term Follow-Up

• Regular appointments with oncology specialists post-discharge are necessary to monitor progress and address complications.
• Continued supportive care for optimal recovery.

Quality of Life Improvement:

• Improved energy levels, reduced symptoms, and enhanced quality of life over time.
• Gradual return to daily activities and normal lifestyle.

Recovery Challenges

• Potential side effects like fatigue, weakness, and nausea, infection risk remains.
• Collaborative effort between the patient, the medical team, and the support network for successful recovery.

Bone Marrow Transplant Complications

While bone marrow transplant (BMT) can be life-saving, it comes with potential risks and complications. Some of the most common and serious complications include:

• Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): A condition where the donor cells attack the patient's body (only in allogeneic transplants).
• Infections: Due to weakened immunity, patients are more prone to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
• Organ damage: The liver, lungs, heart, or kidneys may be affected by high-dose chemotherapy or radiation.
• Bleeding and anemia: Caused by a drop in platelet or red blood cell count during recovery.
• Mucositis: Painful inflammation and ulceration in the mouth and digestive tract.
• Infertility: High-dose chemotherapy or radiation may affect reproductive organs.
• Secondary cancers: A long-term risk where new cancers may develop after the transplant.
• Delayed engraftment or graft failure: The donor stem cells may take longer to produce new blood cells or may not work at all.