Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)

Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)

Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT), also known as a stem cell transplant, is an advanced treatment that replaces damaged or destroyed blood-forming stem cells with healthy stem cells. It may be recommended for certain blood cancers, blood disorders, and immune-related conditions, depending on the patient’s diagnosis and overall health.

When Is a Bone Marrow Transplant Recommended?

A BMT procedure may be considered for conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, aplastic anemia, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia. Doctors evaluate the disease, previous treatments, overall health, and availability of a suitable donor before recommending transplantation.

Types of Bone Marrow Transplant

A transplant may use the patient’s own stem cells (autologous transplant) or stem cells from a compatible donor (allogeneic transplant). The choice depends on the medical condition and treatment plan.

BMT Preparation and Recovery

Before transplantation, patients typically undergo detailed blood tests and health assessments. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy, known as conditioning treatment, may be given before the stem cell infusion. Recovery requires careful monitoring because infection, fatigue, nausea, mouth sores, bleeding, and other complications can occur. Donor transplants can also carry a risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).