Emsey Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant Center

What Is Bone Marrow Transplantation?

Bone marrow transplantation is used when bone marrow cannot function properly due to serious blood disorders, certain cancers, immune system deficiencies, or genetic diseases.

Bone marrow can be considered a “factory” where stem cells produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When this factory is damaged, stem cell transplantation from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or cord blood may be the best treatment option.

Which Diseases Require Bone Marrow Transplantation?

• Leukemia and lymphomas

• Multiple myeloma and plasma cell disorders

• Myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative diseases

• Severe aplastic anemia

• Congenital or acquired immune deficiencies

• Hemoglobinopathies

• Genetic metabolic disorders

• Certain cancers requiring high-dose chemo/radiotherapy

Types of Bone Marrow Transplantation

• Autologous transplantation: stem cells from the patient

• Allogeneic transplantation: stem cells from a donor (related or unrelated)

Donors and Safety

Stem cell donation does not harm the donor. Compatible donors are often siblings, but unrelated donors can also be found via national or international registries.

After Transplantation

The main risk is disease relapse. In allogeneic transplants, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may occur, presenting with skin rashes, mouth ulcers, dry eyes, diarrhea, or jaundice. Interestingly, mild GVHD may also help destroy residual diseased cells.

 

For more details, consult the Bone Marrow Transplant Center at Emsey Hospital.