A bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure to replace unhealthy bone marrow with healthy blood-forming stem cells. This therapy is used for patients with certain cancers or other diseases and involves infusing the new stem cells through an IV after a high-dose conditioning treatment of chemotherapy and/or radiation. The new cells travel to the bone marrow, multiply, and begin to produce healthy blood cells.
How it works
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Conditioning:
Before the transplant, patients undergo a “conditioning” process, which often involves high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy the diseased or damaged bone marrow.
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Transplant:
The healthy stem cells are then infused into the patient’s bloodstream through a central line, similar to a blood transfusion. The infusion is painless and the patient remains awake.
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Engraftment:
The new stem cells travel to the bone marrow, where they begin to multiply and create new blood cells. This process is called engraftment and can take several weeks or longer to fully take effect.
Types of transplants
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Autologous transplant: Uses the patient’s own stem cells, which are collected and stored before the conditioning treatment.
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Allogeneic transplant: Uses stem cells from a donor, who can be a relative or an unrelated individual.
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Syngeneic transplant: Uses stem cells from an identical twin.
What to expect after the transplant
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Monitoring:
After the transplant, patients are closely monitored with regular blood tests and other medical care.
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Medications:
Medications are often needed to manage side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and to prevent or treat complications.
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Recovery:
Recovery can take several weeks or months. Depending on the type of transplant and potential risks, a patient may need to stay near the hospital for an extended period to allow for close monitoring and to manage any complications that may arise.
MBH/PS