Bone marrow transplant
About this test
A bone marrow transplant is a procedure that infuses healthy blood-forming stem cells into your body to replace bone marrow that's not producing enough healthy blood cells. A bone marrow transplant is also called a stem cell transplant. You might need a bone marrow transplant if your bone marrow stops working and does not produce enough healthy blood cells.
Why it's done
A bone marrow transplant may be used to: Safely allow treatment with high doses of chemotherapy or radiation by replacing or rescuing the bone marrow damaged by the treatment Replace bone marrow that's not working properly with new stem cells Provide new stem cells, which can help kill cancer cells directly Bone marrow transplants can benefit people with a variety of both cancerous and noncancerous diseases, including: Acute leukemia Adrenoleukodystrophy Aplastic anemia Bone marrow failure syndromes Chronic leukemia Hemoglobinopathies Hodgkin's lymphoma Immune deficiencies Inborn errors of metabolism Multiple myeloma Myelodysplastic syndromes Neuroblastoma Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Plasma cell disorders POEMS syndrome Primary amyloidosis
Risks and complications
A bone marrow transplant can pose numerous risks. Some people experience minimal problems with a bone marrow transplant, while others can have serious complications that require treatment or hospitalization. Sometimes complications are life-threatening. Your risks depend on many factors, including the disease or condition that caused you to need a transplant, the type of transplant, your age and your overall health. Possible complications from a bone marrow transplant include: Graft-versus-host disease (a complication of allogeneic transplant only) Stem cell (graft) failure Organ damage Infections Cataracts Infertility New cancers Death Your health care provider can explain your risk of complications from a bone marrow transplant. Together you can weigh the risks and benefits to decide whether a bone marrow transplant is right for you.
Understanding your results
A bone marrow transplant can cure some diseases and put others into remission. Goals of a bone marrow transplant depend on your condition but usually include controlling or curing your disease, extending your life, and improving your quality of life. Some people have few side effects and complications from a bone marrow transplant. Others may experience short- and long-term side effects and complications. It can be difficult to predict the severity of side effects and the success of the transplant. It can be helpful to remember that there are many people who have transplants who also experienced some very difficult days during the transplant process. But, ultimately, they had successful transplants and have returned to typical activities with good quality of life.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.