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Blood-forming stem cells are also called bone marrow cells or hematopoietic stem cells. They are immature cells that can become any type of blood cell, including:
Stem cells are made in the bone marrow. This is a sponge-like tissue that is found mainly inside large bones like the breastbone, pelvis, ribs, and spine. Before a transplant, stem cells can be collected from a person’s bone marrow or from their bloodstream.
With the present improvements in supportive care medications and infrastructure a bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant can be done for any patient. May people who may not have been able to have them in the past, including older people and those with other medical conditions can undergo a stem cell transplant in a controlled setting.
The main concern in a stem cell transplant be it autologous ( own stem cells being used ) or allogeneic ( donor stem cells being used ) is the immune system suppression associated with the process for a period of time. During that period, people are at a higher risk for many types of infections. The other common issues are side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, mouth sores, and fatigue.
Due to these potential complications, some people are not candidates for bone marrow transplants (stem cell transplants).
There are two main types of bone marrow transplants /stem cell transplants: autologous and allogeneic. In an autologous transplant, stem cells are collected from the patient’s blood and then reintroduced after treatment to get rid of the cancerous cells. In an allogeneic transplant, the stem cells come from another person. This can be someone within your family or an unrelated donor. The unrelated donor transplants have increased in number with the availability of donor banks and also with cord blood.
Successful stem cell transplants give people new, healthy bone marrow. Because donor cells are used in allogeneic transplants, patients are also getting a new immune system that may help protect against underlying cancer.
This depends on the type of bone marrow transplant. In an Autologous transplant, the primary disease has to be in remission before stem cells are collected.
The first step in any stem cell transplant (BMT), will be high dose chemotherapy or sometimes a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. This treatment is called the preparative regimen or conditioning. This is aimed to destroy cancer cells and also helping your body get ready to accept the new stem cells.
Next, the stem cells are added to your bloodstream through a central venous catheter (a flexible tube). This tube goes into your chest and makes it easier for your care team to give you medications and blood products. The transplant is done in your room. It is like having a blood transfusion. No surgery is required. After the procedure, the newly transplanted stem cells travel to the bone marrow. There they will grow and develop into new mature blood cells, including red and white blood cells and platelets.
It usually takes several weeks before the level of mature blood cells returns to a healthy number. During this time, you will need extra protection from infections and bleeding.
Our team of doctors will pick which type of bone marrow transplant (BMT) is best for you, based on the specifics of your disease. We will also consider other factors like what treatments you have already had and your general health status. Your transplant doctor will discuss all of this with you.
After the preparative regimen is done, the transplant can begin. Doctors add stem cells to the patient’s bloodstream. It is done in the same way as a blood transfusion. In the next few days and weeks, the transplanted stem cells move to the marrow space in the patient’s bones. There, they slowly begin to produce new cells.
Between two and three weeks after the transplant, doctors usually start to find the donor’s cells in the patient’s bloodstream. With time, a successful transplant graft will make red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
In the days right after a transplant, you need a lot of medical support. You may get transfusions of irradiated blood products, such as platelets and red blood cells. You may also get antibiotics to prevent and treat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. These infections are most likely to happen in the first three months after transplantation. People who have had stem cell transplants may also have complications because of the chemotherapy and radiation given before the transplant. Such complications could require more treatments.
Most people stay in the hospital for two to four weeks after a transplant. During this time, you will need special protection from infection. Everyone who comes into the room has to wear protective gloves and masks and wash their hands with antiseptic soap. Sometimes people entering the room need to cover their clothing with clean, disposable gowns. Fresh fruit, cut flowers, and plants are not allowed, because they can carry disease-causing mold or bacteria.
Cytecare doctors and healthcare professionals deliver leading-edge care to everyone who has a transplant here, no matter what type of cancer they have. To improve patient outcomes, our researchers specializing in bone marrow transplantation/ stem cell transplantation are continually trying to reduce the complications of transplants.
To provide each person who needs a transplant with the best care possible, our highly skilled transplant doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners work with a team of other experts. This group includes immunologists, gastroenterologists, kidney specialists, radiologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, rehabilitation doctors, and social workers.
Cancer care is a constantly evolving discipline. Recognizing a gap in the need and availability, Cytecare is focused on clinical research to ensure continuous, better clinical outcomes. The best Bone Marrow Transplant( BMT) in Bangalore, India are becoming research-oriented, seeking evidence-based protocols, while continuously updating themselves about the latest advancements. This gives rise to an evidence-based, scientific approach to treatment.
We understand that you may be overwhelmed by the idea of having a bone marrow transplant. You may also be worried about the complications of your underlying disease. For those reasons, we offer a broad range of resources and supportive care services before, during, and after the procedure to help you and your caregivers meet the challenges you may face, as well as improve your quality of life.
Cytecare’s commitment to providing the highest level of advanced cancer care treatment includes a multi-faceted approach that relies on what we call the four pillars of cancer treatment.
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