Bone Marrow Transplant is the full form of BMT. BMT is performed to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. The procedure is done by transfusing healthy blood stem cells. Stem cells enter the bone marrow and are responsible for the formation of various blood cells, which include red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, etc. Bone marrow is the soft fatty tissue inside the bones. Each blood cell produced in the bone marrow has different functions. Here all the features are listed below.
- RBC: These cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
- WBC: WBCs are responsible for the immune function of the body. They help fight infections.
- Platelets: These are responsible for stopping bleeding by forming blood clots.
Immature stem cells are also called hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Stem cells are immature but have the ability to either divide on their own or remain as stem cells or develop into other types of blood cells. These stem cells are able to produce new blood cells for the entire life of the individual.
Purpose of BMT
When a person is ill or has been under severe treatment, the individual's bone marrow tends to become depleted. This causes a problem with the production of healthy blood cells, thereby worsening the condition of the individual's body. With the help of a bone marrow transplant, the individual receives new stem cells that are capable of producing new healthy blood cells. Stem cells are either taken from a donor or can be taken from our own body. The stem cells are stored and then grown before any harsh treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, is given as part of the cancer treatment. Later, these harvested stem cells are used for transplantation.
Some important reasons to undergo a bone marrow transplant are:
There are certain types of anemia, such as aplastic anemia, in which the bone marrow stops producing new blood cells. In such cases, it is therefore necessary for the individual to undergo a bone marrow transplant.
- Cancers that damage the bone marrow.
- Any radiotherapy or chemotherapy that damages the bone marrow. Bone marrow transplantation thus becomes a necessity.
- Some inherited disorders, such as thalassemia, in which the body makes an abnormal type of hemoglobin. In this case, a bone marrow transplant is necessary.
Complications during BMT
BMT is a major procedure that also involves certain side effects:
The patient may experience nausea, frequent headaches. There will be a decrease in blood pressure. The patient may also have fever and chills. These side effects are immediate and will lessen over time.
A bone marrow transplant also comes with complications, which can be:
- Donor cells can also attack back because the body's immune system may not accept them.
- The patient may also suffer from internal bleeding.
- Organ damage may occur. Multiple organ failure is reported in some cases after bone marrow transplantation.
- Women may suffer from menstrual problems and few may also experience early menopause.
Types of BMT
There are 3 types of bone marrow transplants:
- Autologous bone marrow transplant: This procedure is done before the patient undergoes invasive procedures such as chemotherapy and radiation to eradicate malignant cells. In this case, HSCs (hematopoietic stem cells) are taken from the patient, harvested and stored in a freezer. Later, after chemotherapy and other treatment procedures are completed, these stored stem cells are infused back into the patient's bloodstream. New blood cells are thus produced with these stem cells.
- Allogeneic bone marrow transplant: This type of procedure considers the use of donor stem cells. Two people participate in the procedure, the donor (healthy individual) and the recipient (patient). Sometimes this procedure can cause complications because the body's immune mechanism may not accept the foreign cells.
- Umbilical cord blood transplant: In this variety, stem cells are collected from the umbilical cord of the newborn. These stem cells are harvested and stored in a freezer until they are needed for blood transplant procedures.