The bone marrow or stem cell transplant is a technique where the damaged bone marrow gets replaced with all the healthy cells. These replacement cells come from a donor or the patient’s body. This type of transplantation is utilised for treating several cancers, such as lymphoma, myeloma, and leukaemia. The transplant is also used to treat other immune systems and blood conditions affecting the bone marrow. What Are The Different Kinds of Transplants? When it comes to bone marrow transplants, there are two types of transplants available, which are: Autologous Transplant Under this transplant, the stem cells are taken from the patient’s body. On certain occasions, cancer gets treated with a high level of radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can easily damage the immune system and stem cells. That’s why the doctor rescues or removes the stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow before the treatment begins. Once the radiation therapy or chemotherapy is over, the stem cells are transferred back to the patient’s body. In return, it will restore the immune system and the body’s ability to fight infection and create blood cells. The doctors term this transplantation as stem cell rescue or the AUTO transplant. Allogeneic Transplant The stem cells for this particular transplant are obtained from a donor. The stem cells from the donor are provided to the patient after they complete the radiation therapy or chemotherapy. During the allogeneic treatment, many patients experience the graft vs cancer cell effect. This happens when the replaced stem cells recognise the cancer cells and destroy them. What is the Procedure for a Bone Marrow Transplant? To begin the transplant, the expert will take a small tube and place it on the patient’s chest. This tube will stay throughout the transplant procedure and is known as a catheter. The healthcare team will provide blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and other medications through the catheter. Using the catheter will reduce the number of needles used in the patient’s skin. Patients must undergo blood tests and other treatments during the bone marrow transplant. But doctors from Max Healthcare Group have said that the transplants are complicated procedures. They have also pointed out that several steps will take place in a different way or in a different timetable. This is done to personalise a patient’s care. It would be best if you spoke with your physician to know whether or not you have to stay at the hospital for the different steps. If you do, check with the doctor about the length of the stay. Preparing for the Bone Marrow Transplant Before you opt for bone marrow transplantation, you will go through several tests. These tests can tell the doctor what type of stem cells you need. You might also have to go through chemotherapy or radiation therapy to eliminate the presence of the cancers before the transplant. The bone marrow transplant can take a week to complete. So, you have to make all the proper arrangements before the first session. The things you should do are: During the transplant session, the immune system may become weak, and it might not have the power to fight off infections. That’s why the patient is suggested to stay in a special hospital area, which is ideal for patients receiving bone marrow transplants. This helps lessen the risk of exposure to things that can lead to infection. Do not hesitate to ask questions to the doctor if you have some. You must feel confident and comfortable before the transplant and ensure all your questions are properly answered. Hospitals, such as Max Healthcare Group, have counsellors who will take care of all the patients. Summing Up A bone marrow transplant is a complex procedure conducted by skilled and experienced medical experts. The information in this post will give you useful insights on bone marrow transplants, the procedure, and how to prepare for it properly. Read more health blogs about: Bone Marrow Transplant – The New frontiers of hope and life