When Do People Need a Bone Marrow Transplant and What Are Its Benefits?

Dr.Roshan Dikshit, 3 mins read

Globally, many people are affected by serious blood diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and aplastic anemia. These are some illnesses which deeply impact not only patients but also their families. Many a times when medicines or chemotherapy stop working, then your doctor may suggest a bone marrow transplant (BMT) to you. BMT is  a medical procedure that can offer a second chance at life. So, it is important to understand when this treatment is needed and how it can give hope to patients and their loved ones. In this blog, we have to tried to brief you about BMT and about its benefits. 

What Is a Bone Marrow Transplant?

Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue inside which is present inside our bones that produces blood cells, red cells, white cells, and platelets. When the bone marrow stops working properly, it affects the body’s ability to fight infections, carry oxygen, and stop bleeding. A BMT replaces the damaged or diseased marrow with healthy stem cells, which grow and make healthy blood cells, helping the body in recovery.

There are two main types of transplants:

1. Autologous transplant: in this type, the patient’s own stem cells are collected before treatment and given back after chemotherapy or radiation.
2. Allogeneic transplant: this type uses healthy stem cells from a donor , often a sibling or a matched volunteer.

When Do People Need a Bone Marrow Transplant?

A BMT is recommend by a doctor when the bone marrow cannot make enough healthy blood cells or is producing abnormal cells. Some of the common conditions which need BMT are:

• Blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
  
• Severe aplastic anemia, where the marrow stops making new blood cells.
  
• Inherited blood disorders like thalassemia or sickle cell anemia.
  
• Certain immune system diseases that damage the marrow or blood cells.
  

Sometimes, patients who receive high-dose chemotherapy for cancer may also need a transplant to restore healthy bone marrow afterward.

Benefits of a Bone Marrow Transplant

1. Chance for a Cure: For many patients with blood cancers, a bone marrow transplant offers the best hope of long-term recovery or complete cure.
2. Restores Healthy Blood Formation: The new stem cells create healthy red and white blood cells, improving oxygen flow, immunity, and clotting function.
3. Improved Quality of Life: After recovery, patients can return to normal daily activities, work, and social life, regaining strength and energy.
4. Helps in Genetic Disorders: In diseases like thalassemia or sickle cell anemia, transplants can completely replace defective cells, preventing future complications.
5. Advances in Technology: Modern medical techniques, better matching systems, and improved post-transplant care have made the procedure safer and more successful than before.

Takeaway!

A bone marrow transplant can be a life-saving treatment for thousands of patients every year but its success also depends on finding suitable donors. By becoming a bone marrow donor, anyone can give someone else the gift of life. Awareness and support from the community are key to saving more lives through this powerful medical procedure. If you any query related to BMT, you can consult our expert at Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, Sector -3 for expert advice and guidance.