Bone Marrow Transplant in Turkey
Discover Bone Marrow Transplant in Turkey
A bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant, is a medical procedure that involves infusing healthy blood-forming stem cells into the body to replace bone marrow that is not producing enough healthy blood cells. A bone marrow transplant is a specialized procedure that aims to replace damaged or malfunctioning bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This treatment option is often considered for individuals with conditions such as leukemia, anemia, immune deficiencies, and certain lymphomas. By introducing healthy stem cells into the body, bone marrow transplants facilitate the production of new and healthy blood cells, which are crucial for overall health and well-being.
Bone marrow transplants are typically performed when the bone marrow stops working correctly and fails to produce enough healthy blood cells. They can also be used to allow higher doses of chemotherapy or radiation treatment by replacing or rescuing the damaged bone marrow. Additionally, bone marrow transplants can provide new stem cells that directly target and destroy cancer cells. They are beneficial for various cancerous and noncancerous conditions, including leukemia, anemia, immune deficiencies, and certain types of lymphoma.
Risks Associated with Bone Marrow
Transplants
Bone marrow transplants carry several risks, and the severity of complications can vary from person to person. Some individuals experience minimal problems, while others may face life-threatening complications. The risks depend on factors such as the underlying condition, the type of transplant, age, and overall health. Potential complications include graft-versus-host disease (in allogeneic transplants), stem cell failure, organ damage, infections, cataracts, infertility, new cancers, and even death. It is essential to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
Graft-Versus-Host
Disease (GVHD)
In allogeneic transplants, where stem cells come from a donor, there is a potential risk of developing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD occurs when the donor’s immune cells recognize the recipient’s body tissues as foreign and attack them. It can manifest as acute or chronic GVHD, affecting various organs such as the skin, digestive tract, liver, and lungs. Symptoms may include skin changes, joint or muscle pain, cough, vision changes, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Preparation for a Bone Marrow Transplant
Before a bone marrow transplant, a series of tests and procedures are conducted to evaluate your general health and the status of your condition. These tests ensure that you are physically prepared for the transplant. Additionally, if the transplant involves using your own stem cells (autologous transplant), a process called apheresis is performed to collect the stem cells from your blood. If the transplant utilizes stem cells from a donor (allogeneic transplant), the stem cells are gathered from the donor’s blood, bone marrow, or umbilical cord blood.
The Conditioning
Process
Following the pretransplant evaluations, a process called conditioning takes place. Conditioning involves chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy. The goals of conditioning are to destroy cancer cells (if applicable), suppress the immune system, and prepare the bone marrow to receive the new stem cells. The type of conditioning varies based on factors such as the disease being treated, overall health, and the transplant type. Side effects of conditioning may include nausea, diarrhea, hair loss, infection, fatigue, and organ complications.
The Bone Marrow Transplant Procedure
The bone marrow transplant occurs after the conditioning process is completed. On the day of the transplant, the collected stem cells are infused into the body through a central line, which is a long, thin tube implanted into a large vein in the chest or neck. The infusion is painless, and you will be awake during the procedure.
Recovery and Post-Transplant Care
After the transplant, the new stem cells travel through the bloodstream and settle in the bone marrow, where they start producing new, healthy blood cells. This process, known as engraftment, takes several weeks, during which blood tests and other monitoring are conducted. You may experience side effects and complications, such as infections, which require management and may necessitate hospitalization. Regular follow-up visits and close monitoring are crucial during the recovery period, which can last for weeks to months. Blood transfusions may be necessary until your bone marrow begins producing enough cells independently.
Medications and
Lifestyle Adjustments
If the transplant involves stem cells from a donor, you may need immunosuppressive medications to prevent graft-versus-host disease and aid in the recovery of your immune system. Infection prevention measures and a healthy diet are important aspects of post-transplant care. Your healthcare team, including a nutrition specialist, will guide you in creating a suitable eating plan. Physical activity is also encouraged during the recovery process to promote overall health and well-being.
Bone Marrow
Transplant Donors
In a bone marrow transplant, stem cells can be obtained from two primary sources: the patient’s own body (autologous transplant) or a donor (allogeneic transplant). Autologous transplants utilize the patient’s own stem cells, which are collected prior to undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Allogeneic transplants involve obtaining stem cells from a compatible donor, typically a family member or an unrelated donor registered in a bone marrow donor registry. The matching process is based on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing to ensure compatibility between the donor and recipient.
