A novel therapy choice for patients with specific cancer or other medical conditions is a bone marrow transplant (BMT). During a bone marrow transplant, stem cells—which are often found in the bone marrow—are removed, filtered, and then eventually returned to the patient or the donor.
The purpose of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is to replace the patient’s damaged bone marrow with healthy cells after the patient’s bone marrow has been treated to eliminate abnormal cells.
Bone marrow transplantation, or BMT, is a potentially life-saving therapy for several blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as benign conditions including thalassemia and aplastic anemia.
Types of Bone Marrow Transplants (Autologous vs Allogeneic)
There are several types of bone marrow transplants depending on who the donor is. Among the several forms of BMT are the following:
Autologous bone marrow transplant
- An autologous stem cell transplant replaces malfunctioning bone marrow with healthy blood stem cells from within your body. Autologous bone marrow transplants are another name for autologous stem cell transplants.
- There are specific advantages to receiving a stem cell transplant using your own body’s cells compared to those from a donor. You don’t have to worry about donor cells not interacting with your cells, for example, if you undergo an autologous stem cell transplant.
- If your body produces sufficient numbers of healthy bone marrow cells, you may be able to have an autologous stem cell transplant. It is possible to gather, freeze, and preserve such cells for later use.
Allogeneic bone marrow transplant
- When bone marrow isn’t making enough healthy blood cells, an allogeneic stem cell transplant replaces it with donor-healthy blood stem cells. An allogeneic stem cell transplant is another term for an allogeneic bone marrow transplant.
- The two methods used to obtain stem cells from a genetically matched donor—typically a brother or sister—are bone marrow harvesting and apheresis (the procedure for extracting stem cells from peripheral blood). The following individuals may be additional donors for allogeneic bone marrow transplants:
- A parent- When the genetic match is at least half identical to the receiver and the donor is a parent, the match is known as haploid-identical. Such transplants are hardly common.
- Bone marrow transplants from unrelated donors (UBMT or MUD for matched unrelated donor)- The stem cells or bone marrow that match genetically comes from an unrelated donor. Utilizing national bone marrow registries, unrelated donors can be identified.
Donation of umbilical cord blood.
As soon as the baby is delivered, stem cells are extracted from the umbilical cord. Compared to stem cells extracted from the bone marrow of another child or adult, these stem cells develop into mature, functional blood cells more quickly and efficiently. Until a transplant is required, the stem cells are examined, classified, recorded, and preserved frozen.
Bone Marrow Transplant Procedure (Step-by-step process, eligibility, donor matching)
Depending on the type of transplant, the medical condition requiring the transplant, and your tolerance to specific medications, there are different preparations needed for a bone marrow transplant. Step-by-step procedures are as follows:
- Stem Cell Collection
- Using a bone marrow aspiration technique or a cell separator machine, stem cells are extracted from donors’ blood in allogeneic transplants. Stem cells used in autologous transplantation are extracted from the patient’s own blood using a cell separator machine. Therefore, it can only be carried out following the application of normal medication to bring the disease under control.
- Conditioning for bone marrow transplantation
- The first step will be a procedure known as conditioning. Usually, a high dosage of chemotherapy is administered for five to ten days, along with radiation therapy.
- To successfully treat the cancer and provide space in the bone marrow for the new cells to grow and create a new blood cell production system, this intensive therapy is necessary.
- The bone marrow transplant is injected into the bloodstream via a central venous catheter following the administration of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Once inside the bone marrow, the stem cells start to divide and produce new, healthy blood cells.
- Supportive care is provided following the transplant to prevent and treat problems, side effects of treatment, and infections. This involves performing regular blood tests, keeping a careful eye on vital signs, measuring fluid intake and output accurately, and maintaining a clean and safe environment.
- During the infusion of bone marrow, the patient may experience the following:
Chills, Pain, Chest discomfort,
- Following infusion, the patient might: Stay in the hospital for a few weeks, be extremely prone to infection, experience bleeding, require blood transfusions, restrict themselves to a clean setting, or fever.
- Engraftment
- When the given cells enter the bone marrow and start producing new blood cells, this process is known as engrafting of the stem cells. Engraftment often takes 2-4 weeks. depending on the type of transplant and the illness being treated. In the days that follow the transplant, blood counts will be monitored frequently to assess the start and development of engraftment.
- Recovery after a Bone Marrow Transplant
- Your doctors will want to constantly observe you following the transplant of donor bone marrow. A few lifestyle adjustments are necessary to adjust to your new bone marrow and ensure the transplant is successful.
- Although everyone’s recovery period is distinct, you might be spending several weeks in the hospital. Because of your weakened immune system, you will need to take medication to avoid getting sick. Transfusions of blood can also be required.
- After your transplant, it may take your immune system a year or more to recover. To avoid infections and graft versus host disease, (GVHD) you’ll need to see your doctor frequently and continue taking your medications.
BMT for Leukemia and Lymphoma
Sometimes, bone marrow or stem cell transplants are beneficial for leukemia patients. For the bone marrow’s blood stem cells to continue producing healthy new blood cells, this treatment replaces them.
For patients with lymphoma, bone marrow transplants can be a possibility for treatment. A bone marrow transplant is usually required when :
- Your bone marrow or stem cells have failed, therefore your body is unable to produce the necessary amount of blood cells.
- Your blood or bone marrow cells have become unhealthy and must be replaced with new, healthy cells.
- You are receiving heavy doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for your lymphoma, which kills both healthy and malignant cells.
- To create a new immune system that will combat leukemia that is still active or that has not been eradicated by the radiation or chemotherapy used during the transplant.
- Replace bone marrow with functional, genetically sound bone marrow to stop further damage from a hereditary disease process (such as adrenoleukodystrophy, Hurler’s syndrome, etc.).
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Risks and Success Rates (Common risks, success rates for leukemia and lymphoma patients)
RISKS
A bone marrow transplant may involve multiple risks
- Graft-versus-host disease:
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a possibility if you get an allogeneic transplant, which involves stem cells from a donor. The condition develops when your body’s tissues and organs are attacked by donor stem cells that are part of your new immune system because they see them as foreign. With time and medication the newly formed immune system, it will start to accept its new body and stop harming it. The GI tract, liver, skin, and lungs are the most often affected areas by GVHD.
A possible consequence is the graft (transplant) failing to attach to the bone marrow. Failure of the graft can be attributed to infection, recurrent illness, or insufficient stem cells in the given marrow to support engraftment.
The patient with serious suppression of the bone marrow may be infected. Infections with bacteria are the most prevalent. Infections with fungi and viruses can be harmful. Any infection has the potential to harm organs permanently, prevent or delay engraftment, and/or result in an extended hospital stay. Antibiotics, antifungal medications, and antiviral medications are frequently administered to immunosuppressed patients to prevent major illness.
- Low red blood cells and platelets:
Because of a malfunctioning bone marrow, thrombocytopenia (low platelets) and anemia (low red blood cells) can be hazardous, and potentially fatal. Dangerous bleeding in the brain, GI system, and lungs can result from low platelets.
Mouth sore and gastrointestinal (GI) irritation-related pain is frequent. Severe mucositis (GI tract and oral irritation) can be brought on by high doses of radiation and chemotherapy.
One consequence of fluid overload is that it can cause high blood pressure, liver damage, and pneumonia. The primary cause of fluid overload is the kidneys’ inability to process the high volume of fluid that is delivered by intravenous (IV) medications, diet, and blood products. Additionally, illnesses, infections, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and antibiotics can harm the kidneys.
An essential function that could be hampered during a transplant is respiratory status. The lungs and pulmonary system may experience potentially fatal consequences such as hemorrhage, graft-versus-host disease, infection, inflammation of the airway, and fluid overload.
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SUCCESS RATE
The availability of a close relative to donate stem cells and the patient’s overall health are two of the numerous variables that affect the outcome of a bone marrow transplant.
Following is a description of some of the key elements that impact bone marrow transplant success rates:
- Success rates with a close family member range from 75% to 90% for patients with diseases other than cancer.
- The success percentage for someone who is genetically identical but not related to them is between 40% and 68%.
- The success rates of bone marrow transplants with a close relative are 60% to 70%, while for unrelated donors, they are 30% to 50% if the cancer is in the acute stage.
- Bone marrow transplant success rates are lower in chronic stages of the disease or advanced malignancy.
- Younger patients have greater success rates than older patients.
Cost of Bone Marrow Transplant (, treatment expenses in India and globally)
Factors affecting cost
Pre- and post-treatment charges include a wide range of expenses that have a significant impact on your budget. The numerous elements that may have an impact on the price of a bone marrow transplant are mentioned below.
Cost of medications: A bone marrow transplant may be more expensive overall depending on the medication taken.
Patient Condition: The length of treatment depends on the complexity of the patient’s general condition, which also affects the cost.
Treatment duration: Extended programs that need several visits may result in increased overall expenses.
Geographic location: Depending on the area, costs can differ significantly worldwide.
Hospitalization costs: The length of the patient’s stay and the degree of nursing care they need can influence the total cost of care.
Packages for medical tourism: Selected packages for patients from abroad may offer a range of treatments at a single price, which may have an impact on the total cost of care.
The kind and extent of screening procedures: Due to the high cost of these diagnostic techniques, routine monitoring with advanced scanning and laboratory tests may raise treatment expenses.
| Country | Min cost (USD) | Max cost (USD) |
| United States | 471600 | 929600 |
| India | 25000 | 35000 |
| Turkey | 50000 | 80000 |
| Singapore | 60000 | 140,000 |
| Thailand | 50000 | 80000 |
The cost of bone marrow transplant treatment in India can also differ based on the hospital type that you select. In terms of cost, India provides the most affordable bone marrow transplants, which are delivered by a highly skilled team of healthcare providers. India has very high success rates for bone marrow transplants because of its highly qualified surgeons and modern facilities.
Pre- and Post-transplant Care (Dietary changes, recovery, and lifestyle adjustments)
Pre-transplant care
- Your overall health and the state of your disease can be evaluated with several tests and procedures. The exams and procedures also guarantee your psychological readiness for the transplant. The assessment could take a few days or longer.
- Furthermore, an intravenous catheter—a long, thin tube—will be inserted into a large vein in your neck or chest. Usually, the catheter—also referred to as a central line—stays in place for the length of your care. Your transplant team will use the central line to inject medications, blood products, and transplanted stem cells into your body.
Post-transplant
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- Following a bone marrow transplant, you will continue to receive strict medical attention. You might need to spend several days or longer in the hospital if you have infections or other problems. You may need to stay close to the hospital for weeks or months to allow for close monitoring, depending on the kind of transplant and the likelihood of problems.
- Medications: You may be given immunosuppressive medications if your bone marrow transplant involves donor stem cells (allogeneic transplant).
- Dietary changes: You might need to make dietary changes following your bone marrow transplant to maintain your health and avoid gaining too much weight. Following food safety regulations to avoid contracting foodborne illnesses.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Engaging in regular physical activity following a bone marrow transplant aids in weight control, bone strengthening, endurance building, muscle strengthening, and heart health maintenance.
Conclusion
The outlook and long-term survival after a bone marrow transplant might differ significantly from person to person, just like with any surgery. The results of bone marrow transplants in children and adults have significantly improved due to both ongoing medical advancements and the growing number of transplants performed for various disorders.
After a bone marrow transplant, the patient needs ongoing follow-up care. There is constant research into new ways to enhance care and lessen side effects and complications following a bone marrow transplant.
FAQ’s
Q. What are the risks involved in a bone marrow transplant?
A: there can be many risks associated with bone marrow transplant such as
- Graft-versus-host disease
- Hair loss
- Low RBC and platelet count
- Nausea & vomiting, Decreased Appetite
- Organ failure
- Bleeding
- Fertility loss
Q. What is the success rate of bone marrow transplants for leukemia and lymphoma?
A: A personalized treatment plan should always include bone marrow transplantation as it’s a complex procedure with risks and can be very effective for leukemia, especially when the disease is in recovery. Success rates can vary depending on age, health status, and type of leukemia, but in younger patients, they can range from 55-70% for allogeneic transplants.
Autologous bone marrow transplant success rates are regarded as high as they fall between 50% and 80%.
Q. How long does recovery take after a bone marrow transplant?
A: While each person’s circumstances are different, most people are expected to stay in the hospital for at least 30 days while their bodies recover their immune systems. When your immune system appears strong enough, your doctors will release you from the hospital so you can continue your recovery at home. Your immune system may not fully recover from BMT for several more months or even years depending on several factors like age, and severity of disease.
Q. What is the cost of a bone marrow transplant in India?
A: The price of a bone marrow transplant varies across India. The price range for a BMT is $25000 to $35000. India provides the most affordable prices when compared to other developed countries by using its modern facilities and highly skilled surgeons.
Q. Is there a difference between an autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplant?
A: Allogeneic refers to a donor from outside the body, whereas autologous refers to your own body. The stem cells come from a different source, but the transplant process will be the same:
- Autologous stem cell transplant: It is your body’s stem cells that we use. Once the cancer has been brought into suppression with high-intensity chemotherapy or radiation therapy, we use these stem cells to create a new immune system.
- Allogeneic stem cell transplant: Stem cells from related or unrelated bone marrow donors are used in this kind of transplant.
Q. How is a bone marrow donor matched?
A: Your transplant team will collaborate with you to identify the most suitable donor. Testing family members and searching the National Bone Marrow Donor Program registry are two possible steps in the procedure.
White blood cells and other human tissues have proteins on their surface known as antigens. HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, and HLA-DRB1 antigens are specific to bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and are necessary for their successful outcome. The purpose of these antigens is to “match” a patient to a donor. It’s crucial to keep in mind that matching individuals who belong to the same racial or ethnic group increases the likelihood of compatibility.