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A Comprehensive Overview Of Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) For Blood Cancer

Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) is one of the most effective procedures that help in treating various types of blood cancer. Most of these cancers start in your bone marrow where blood is produced. The bone marrow is a soft, spongy liquid tissue in the centre of the bones. It has a rich supply of stem cells, and its main job is to make blood cells that circulate in your body.
BMT majorly includes a medical process to replace the bone marrow that has been damaged or destroyed due to infections or diseases. BMT helps in the production of new blood cells and promotes the growth of new marrow. This further helps the body make enough white blood cells, platelets or red blood cells to avoid infection or bleeding disorders.
Types of BMT:
Autologous bone marrow transplant is also known as a rescue transplant is the technique where stem cells are removed from the body before the patient receives high-dose chemotherapy or radiation treatment. The stem cells extracted from the body are stored in a freezer at adequate temperature and returned to the body after the chemotherapy.
An allogeneic bone marrow transplant is when another donor’s stem cells are removed and injected into the patient’s body. Certain tests are performed in order to determine the match of donor’s genes to patients. A family member such as a sister or a brother is most likely to be a good match.
An umbilical cord blood transplant is a kind of allogeneic transplant that uses stem cells from a newborn’s umbilical cord right after birth. These stem cells are then stored and used when needed. Today, bone marrow transplants have become easier due to the advanced technology in collecting and storing bone marrow from the donor’s body. Bone Marrow is usually collected from the donor body and stored for future use.
Donor’s stem cells can be collected in two ways.
Bone marrow harvest is a common procedure used for collecting donor’s stem cells. Minor surgery is performed on the donor and the marrow is removed from the back of the pelvic bone. The harvested marrow is filtered, stored in a special solution in bags, and then frozen. When the marrow is to be used, it’s thawed and then put into the patient’s blood through a vein, just like a blood transfusion. The stem cells travel to the bone marrow and start to make blood cells.
While in Leukapheresis, the donor’s stem cell from the bone marrow is moved into the blood after which the blood is removed from the body through IV line. The white blood cells & red blood cells are separated, saving the white blood cells for the patient and returning the red blood cell to the donor.
A successful BMT depends on the match between the donor & recipient genes. Sometimes, it gets difficult to find a good match among unrelated donors. The patient is monitored closely after the transplant. It generally takes around 10 to 28 days after the initial transplant to notice the first signs of rising white blood cell count. However, it typically takes around 3 to 12 months to recover completely. Recovery also depends on various factors such as donor match, condition of the patient being treated, chemotherapy, etc. It is also possible that some of the symptoms will stay with the patient for a long time. One can also donate their bone marrow by registering on the Marrow Donor Registry website.
Conclusion
Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) offers a critical solution for patients with blood cancer and other serious conditions, giving them a chance at recovery by replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow. The procedure’s complexity requires careful matching of donor and recipient stem cells, as well as long-term monitoring to ensure a successful outcome. While the recovery process can take months, advancements in medical technology have significantly improved the ease and effectiveness of BMT.
At Sahyadri Hospital, we are dedicated to offering cutting-edge BMT treatments and personalised care. Our experienced medical team, advanced facilities, and patient-centric approach ensure the best possible outcomes for those undergoing this life-saving procedure.
FAQ’s
- What is a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)?
A Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) is a medical procedure that replaces damaged or destroyed bone marrow to treat various blood cancers and conditions. - What are the types of Bone Marrow Transplants?
The main types of BMT include autologous (using the patient’s own stem cells), allogeneic (using donor stem cells), and umbilical cord blood transplants. - How long does it take to recover from a Bone Marrow Transplant?
Recovery from a BMT typically takes 3 to 12 months, depending on factors like donor match and patient condition. - What is a bone marrow transplant (BMT)?
BMT is a medical procedure that replaces damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy cells. - Who needs a bone marrow transplant?
Patients with blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma may require BMT. - What are the types of bone marrow transplants?
The two main types are autologous (using the patient’s cells) and allogeneic (using a donor’s cells). - What is the recovery time after a bone marrow transplant?
Recovery varies but generally takes several months to a year. - What are the risks associated with bone marrow transplantation?
Risks include infection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and organ damage.
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About Author
Dr. Shashikant Apte
Haematologist
Contact: +91 88888 22222
Email – ask@sahyadrihospitals.com
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