Bone Marrow Transplant: Signs, Procedure, and Recovery
A bone marrow transplant, also known as a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), is a medical BMT procedure used to treat diseases affecting the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells. The bone marrow, found in the centre of bones, produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, essential for oxygen transport, fighting infections, and preventing bleeding. The goal of a bone marrow transplant is to replace damaged marrow with healthy stem cells, which can come from the patient’s own body or a suitable donor.
Signs 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:
Cancer Treatment
- 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.
Non-Cancerous Blood Disorders
- 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.
Genetic Disorders
- SCID & Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome: Repairs immune and blood cell defects
- Fanconi Anemia: A treatment indicated for bone marrow failure and genetic abnormalities.
Autoimmune Diseases
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): Replaces the immune system to suppress autoimmune behavior
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Reserved for severe, refractory patients.
Solid Tumor Treatment
- Rescue Therapy: After high-dose chemotherapy for tumors, such as neuroblastoma, restores bone marrow and immune function.
Metabolic Disorders
- Hurler Syndrome & ALD: Supplies enzymes or stops disease progression
When Other Treatments Fail
- 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.
ONUS Hospitals’ expert haematologist-oncologists and interdisciplinary team give world-class care to patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation in India. ONUS Hospitals, which is equipped with cutting-edge equipment and adheres to global standards, is a trusted name in transplantation.
If you’re thinking about having a bone marrow transplant in India, talk to one of our trained specialists at ONUS Hospitals. You’ll get expert care and specialized therapy that is suited to your specific needs.
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.
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 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
- Your 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 succeeds 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 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 immunity stronger.
Pre-Procedure Planning
- Plan for a caregiver to help you after your transplant, as recovery can take weeks or months.
- Talk to your transplant team about possible side effects and risks so you can have a full picture of the process.
ONUS Hospitals in India offers complete bone marrow transplant preparation guideline for patients. Our expert team prepares you physically and psychologically to maximize the results.
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 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 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 patient, medical team, and support network for successful recovery.
