Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue filling the inside of our bones. It produces the three types of cells that are part of our blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- What is Bone Marrow Transplantation?
- Why does a patient need a bone marrow transplant?
- How is Bone Marrow obtained for transplants?
- In what type of cancer, BMT is used?
- Are there any risks associated with donating bone marrow?
- What happens once bone marrow is transplanted?
- What are the side effects?
- Will I need any additional medical tests before the transplant?
- Will donating marrow make me weak?
| What is Bone Marrow Transplantation? | Top |
| A bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure performed to replace bone marrow that has been damaged or destroyed by disease, infection, or chemotherapy. This procedure involves transplanting blood stem cells, which travel to the bone marrow where they produce new blood cells and promote growth of new marrow. | |
| Why does a patient need a bone marrow transplant? | |
| The main purpose of Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) is to enable patients to receive safely very high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. High doses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy destroy cancer cells and some healthy cells. The healthy, transplanted stem cells can restore the bone marrow's ability to produce the blood cells the patient needs. In essence, this gives the patient a new immune system. | |
| How is Bone Marrow obtained for transplants? | |
| Procedure for obtaining bone marrow which is also called "harvesting". A large needle is inserted into bone to draw marrow out of the bone. It takes about an hour or more. The "harvested" bone marrow is then processed to remove blood and bone fragments. | |
| In what type of cancer, BMT is used? | Top |
| The bone marrow transplant is most commonly used in treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. | |
| Are there any risks associated with donating bone marrow? | |
| Because only a small amount of bone marrow is removed, donating usually does not pose any significant problems for the donor. Within a few weeks, the donor's body will have replaced the donated marrow. The area where the bone marrow was taken out may feel sore for a few days, and the donor may feel tired. The time required for a donor to recover varies. Some people are back to their usual routine within 2 or 3 days, while others may take up to 3 to 4 weeks to recover their strength. | |
| What happens once bone marrow is transplanted? | |
| After entering blood stream the transplanted cells travel to bone marrow where they produce new cells in a process known as "engraftment". It occurs about 2 to 4 weeks after transplantation and to monitored by checking blood counts on a frequent basis. | |
| What are the side effects? | Top |
| Susceptibility to infection and bleeding as a result of high dose of cancer treatment. Patient receiving BMT may experience nausea, vomiting, and chills during first 24 hours of transplant. | |
| Will I need any additional medical tests before the transplant? | |
| You will be screened before the transplant to help the medical team assess your physical condition and determine whether your current health can withstand the procedure. This will include assessment of the heart, lung, kidney, and liver, as well as other tests which may be done to further evaluate your condition. | |
| Will donating marrow make me weak? | |
| The amount of marrow donated will not weaken your own body or immune system. The average amount of marrow and blood donated is about one quart, less if the patient is a baby or child. This is only a fraction of your total marrow. Most donors are back to their usual routine in a few days, and your marrow naturally replaces itself within four to six weeks. | |