A haploidentical bone marrow transplant is an advanced type of allogeneic stem cell transplant that uses a partially matched family donor, usually a parent, child, or sibling. It can provide a transplant option for patients who do not have a fully HLA-matched donor.
Who May Need This Treatment?
Haploidentical transplantation may be considered for certain patients with blood cancers and blood disorders, including acute leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and selected bone marrow failure conditions. Eligibility depends on the patient's diagnosis, overall health, disease status, previous treatments, and donor suitability.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Before transplantation, the patient receives conditioning treatment to prepare the bone marrow and help control the underlying disease. Stem cells collected from the selected donor are then infused into the patient. After the transplant, close monitoring is essential to assess engraftment, infections, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and other possible complications.
Benefits of Haploidentical Transplantation
A major advantage is the wider availability of potential family donors when a fully matched donor cannot be found. This can help eligible patients proceed with stem cell transplantation without waiting indefinitely for a suitable unrelated donor.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Recovery varies from person to person. Regular blood tests, specialist consultations, infection precautions, medications, and long-term follow-up are important after transplantation. Patients should discuss expected risks, benefits, recovery time, and donor options with their transplant team.