Overview
A hematopoietic stem cell transplant, also called a bone marrow transplant, is a way to replace sick or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. Bone marrow produces blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. People with some blood disorders and certain cancers, like leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, often get this treatment. There are two main types: autologous transplant, which uses the patient's own stem cells, and allogeneic transplant, which uses stem cells from a compatible donor. The goal is to restore the body's ability to make healthy blood cells after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation.
Why it’s Done
When cancer or aggressive treatment seriously damages bone marrow, a bone marrow transplant is done. It lets doctors give patients high doses of chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, and then they can give them healthy stem cells to rebuild their blood and immune systems. The goal of the procedure is to eliminate the disease, reduce the risk of recurrence, and improve survival.
What to Expect?
Before the transplant, patients have to go through a lot of tests, such as blood tests, imaging tests, and tests of how well their organs are working. When someone gets an allogeneic transplant, they match the donor. During the conditioning phase, high-dose chemotherapy or radiation is used to kill diseased cells and weaken the immune system. Healthy stem cells are put into the body through an IV, just like a blood transfusion. Over time, the cells move to the bone marrow and start making new blood cells. Patients stay in the hospital for close monitoring after a transplant because there is a risk of infection and other problems. They check blood counts regularly and give supportive medications. Engraftment, or the return of blood cell production, usually happens within a few weeks.
Recovery & Outlook
It could take a few months for the immune system to get back to normal. Patients need to be checked on regularly and take steps to avoid getting sick. Bone marrow transplant can cure or put many serious blood cancers and disorders into long-term remission, even though complications can happen.