Bone Marrow Transplant
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Bone Marrow Transplant in Kolkata
A bone marrow transplant (BMT), also known as a stem cell transplant, is a life-saving medical procedure that replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue found in the center of some bones and is responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. If you’re looking for the best Bone Marrow Transplant Doctor in Kolkata, visit our clinic to understand the transplant and recovery process better. Our primary goal is to help patients rebuild their ability to produce healthy blood cells after intensive treatments like chemotherapy.
Types of Bone Marrow Transplants
There are two main types of bone marrow transplants:Autologous Transplant
This type of stem cell transplant in Kolkata involves using the patient’s own cells, either from blood or bone marrow. Doctors carefully collect, freeze, and reintroduce the patient’s stem cells after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These cells are treated to remove any cancerous cells. This therapy reduces rejection risks and provides a personalized approach to healing.Allogeneic Transplant
This type uses stem cells from a matched donor, which can be a sibling, a parent, or an unrelated donor. The donor’s stem cells are collected and then infused into the patient after intensive chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Key variations include:Matched Sibling Donor
Siblings with similar genes provide the most compatible stem cells.
Unrelated Donor Transplant
When no family match exists, national bone marrow registries help find compatible donors.Cord Blood Transplant
Stem cells collected from umbilical cords after childbirth offer a unique, fast-reproducing cellular solution. These cells are younger and adapt more quickly in the recipient’s body.Parents
In rare cases, when the genetic match is at least 50%.Why Do Patients Need Bone Marrow Transplants?
A bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant may be critical for various conditions, including:
Blood Cancer Treatment
- Multiple myeloma
- Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Acute and chronic leukemia
- Myelodysplastic syndrome
Blood Disorder Management
- Aplastic anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Severe immunodeficiency disorders (e.g., SCID)
- Thalassemia
Other Conditions
- Relapsing autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis
- Certain recurrent germ cell tumor treatments
Who Can Get a Bone Marrow Transplant?
The decision of whether a bone marrow transplant is suitable depends on several factors, such as:- Patients with blood-related diseases and resistant to other treatments.
- The availability of a matched donor.
- Individuals fit enough to undergo intensive treatments like chemotherapy or radiation before the transplant.
- The patient’s age and overall health (mental and physical).
The Bone Marrow Transplant Process
A bone marrow transplant is comparatively a complicated treatment that demands doctors to follow several steps. If you want to get stem cell transplant done in Kolkata, read this general overview:Pre-Transplant Evaluation
- Doctors prescribe a complete health test for medical assessments to determine patient eligibility and prepare for the procedure.
- Finding a donor if needed.
Conditioning Treatment
This involves preparing the patient’s body for the transplant using high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells and suppress the immune system to prevent rejection of the donor’s stem cells.Stem Cell Collection
In an autologous transplant, stem cells are collected from the patient’s blood or bone marrow. In an allogeneic transplant, stem cells are collected from the donor through apheresis (a process similar to blood donation) or bone marrow harvest.
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Transplant Procedure
The collected stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream through an IV or central venous catheter. This is a painless process and similar to a blood transfusion.
Post-transplant Recovery
This is a critical phase where the patient’s body recovers and new healthy blood cells are produced by the engrafted stem cells. Patients are closely monitored for infection and other complications.Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is a bone marrow transplant?
Bone marrow transplants are serious and complicated medical procedures. Risks such as infections or complications like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) exist, but they’re outweighed by the benefits and personalized care in critical cases. For many patients with life-threatening conditions like blood cancers or severe blood disorders, the transplant often provides the best chance of survival.
Can I live a normal life after a bone marrow transplant?
Yes, many patients lead healthy, fulfilling lives after a bone marrow transplant. However, recovery is a gradual process and can take several months or even years, depending on individual health conditions. Patients need regular follow-ups, a healthy diet, and a supportive lifestyle to rebuild strength and immunity.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Typically, 2–4 weeks, depending on recovery and complications. This period includes close monitoring to ensure the transplant responds and to manage risks like infections or rejection.
Is a bone marrow transplant effective?
For patients with severe blood disorders or cancers, it can be a life-saving procedure.
What happens if donor cells attack the body?
In a condition where donor cells attack the recipient’s body is called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and takes place in some allogeneic transplants. But, it’s manageable with medical care. Consult with our doctors for an effective treatment plan.
