What is Bone Marrow Transplant?
- A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a medical procedure where unhealthy bone marrow is replaced with healthy hematopoietic stem cells. These cells help restore the body’s ability to produce normal blood cells and improve immune function.
Who Needs a Bone Marrow Transplant?
- Malignant disorders
- Leukemia (Blood or Bone marrow cancer)
- Lymphomas (Cancer of the lymphatic system)
- Multiple Myeloma (Cancer of plasma cells)
- Benign disorders
- Bone marrow failure-Aplastic Anemia (A condition in which the producing enough new blood cells)
- Storage disorders
- Multiple Myeloma (Cancer of plasma cells)
- Thalassemia, Sickle cell anemia
Types of Stem Cells Transplant:
1. Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant
In an autologous transplant, stem cells are collected from the patient’s own blood after a process called mobilization. These healthy cells are stored and later re-infused after high-dose chemotherapy.
Best for:
Multiple myeloma, lymphoma
Benefits:
- No risk of donor rejection
- Lower chances of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
2.Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant
In an allogeneic transplant, stem cells are obtained from a donor whose tissue type closely matches the patient. This is determined through HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) matching.
Donor sources include:
- Sibling (best match)
- Parent or relative
- Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD)
Best for:
Leukemia, aplastic anemia, genetic disorders
Benefits:
- Replaces diseased marrow with healthy donor cells
- Offers potential cure for many blood cancers
3.Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant
This type uses stem cells collected from the umbilical cord blood of a newborn baby. These cells are rich in stem cells and can be used even with partial matching.
Best for:
Patients without a fully matched donor
Benefits:
- Faster availability
- Lower risk of severe GVHD
- Useful in pediatric and some adult cases
How Does Bone Marrow Donor Matching Work?
Donor matching is a crucial step in transplant success:
- Siblings are usually the best match
- Unrelated donors can be found through registries
- HLA typing ensures compatibility
A better match improves outcomes and reduces complications like GVHD.
Steps Involved in Bone Marrow Transplant
- Preparation
High-dose chemotherapy or radiation is given to destroy diseased bone marrow and prepare the body for transplant. - Stem Cell Collection
Healthy stem cells are collected from the patient (autologous) or a matched donor (allogeneic) using apheresis or bone marrow extraction. - Transplantation
Stem cells are infused into the bloodstream through an IV and naturally travel to the bone marrow to start producing new blood cells. - Recovery & Monitoring
Patients are closely monitored for infections, bleeding, and complications like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
What is the Success Rate of Bone Marrow Transplant?
The success rate of bone marrow transplant ranges from 50% to 80%, depending on:
- Type of disease
- Stage of cancer
- Patient’s age and overall health
- Donor match quality
Early diagnosis and treatment at an advanced center in Chennai can significantly improve outcomes.
At MGM Cancer Institute, we use state-of-the-art technology, with the expertise of top doctors and healthcare professionals to perform autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplants. Our experienced team of hematologists, oncologists, and transplant experts use a comprehensive and individualized approach to ensure successful outcomes.
Fact check
6 Weeks
After donation, bone marrow replaces itself within four to six weeks.
Side effects of Bone Marrow Transplant
Bone marrow transplant can cause a variety of side effects such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. Our team closely monitors patients to manage these symptoms and ensure a smooth recovery process.
A Positive note for preparation
Bone marrow transplant is a complex medical procedure that requires thorough preparation. Our team provides patients with pre-transplant counseling and support to ensure they are well-informed and ready for the procedure.
Emotional and Mental needs
We understand that a bone marrow transplant can be emotionally and mentally challenging. Our team provides compassionate care and support to help patients and their families navigate this journey.
What Can I do to help myself
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or support groups.
Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare team to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
After Treatment | After Care
After bone marrow transplant, patients require long-term follow-up care and monitoring to ensure their continued well-being. Our team provides comprehensive aftercare services and support to help patients live healthy and fulfilling lives.
Follow-up care
The patient will need to take medications to prevent GVHD (Graft Vs. Host Disease) and other complications, and will require regular follow-up visits with their healthcare team to monitor their progress and address any issues that arise
Our Care Team
Dr. M. Deenadayalan
HOD and Clinical Lead
Paediatric Haematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Dr. G. Vimal Kumar
Senior Consultant
Paediatric Haematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Dr. Rishab Bharadwaj
Consultant
Paediatric Haematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Get a Screening/Second Opinion from us
If you or a loved one is considering a bone marrow transplant , we encourage you to reach out to our team for consultation and expert advice. Our team of experts will provide personalized recommendations and support every step of the way.
FAQ
The procedure itself is not painful, but patients may experience side effects during recovery.
Recovery can take 3 to 12 months, with full immune recovery taking up to a year.
Donor matching is done through HLA typing. Siblings are often the best match, but unrelated donors can also be found through registries.
Yes, bone marrow transplant can cure or control many blood cancers and conditions.
Bone marrow transplant involves chemotherapy or radiation, followed by infusion of healthy stem cells through an IV.These cells reach the bone marrow and start producing new, healthy blood cells.
Tales from
Our Healthcaring Journey
Rose Day is a heartfelt celebration of the strength, courage, and resilience of cancer survivors. This video is a tribute to their inspiring journeys, a reminder that hope can bloom even in the toughest of times. With the unwavering support of families, friends, and caregivers, these individuals shine as symbols of perseverance and triumph. At MGM Cancer Institute, we believe in fostering hope and solidarity as we walk together on the path toward healing. Join us in honoring their stories and advocating for a brighter, cancer-free future.
| Bone Marrow Transplant
In this heart-touching testimony, a mother shares the incredible journey of her son, born after 15 years of hope and prayers, only to be diagnosed with thalassemia. Facing years of fear and uncertainty as he endured countless blood transfusions, they finally found hope in Dr. Deenadayalan and his exceptional team at MGM Cancer Institute. With their unwavering support, they cured the family’s fears first, and then their son’s illness through a successful bone marrow transplant. Today, he is healthy and thriving, living the life they once feared he might never have. This is a story of resilience, faith, and the life-changing power of modern medicine.
Dr M Deenadayalan | Bone Marrow Transplant
When you have cancer, or care about someone who does, “cure” may be the word you want to hear more than any other. It’s also a word most doctors won’t say.
There’s no cure for it, but there are treatments that may be able to cure some people of some cancers. When you understand the difference, it makes all the difference.
Dr. M A Raja, Senior Consultant Medical Oncology, Director of Oncology Services at MGM Healthcare, talks about how curing cancer is equals to treating 100 diseases. This is possible when diagnosed at a early.
Cure for each type of cancer varies from medical treatment, surgery to radiation. There are certain cancers which can be controlled & the patient can have a quality life.
Dr MA Raja | Medical oncology, BMT
Blood Cancer
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No 119 & 121, Nelson Manickam Road, Raajeswari Street, Rajaram Mehta Nagar,
Aminjikarai, Chennai – 600029
