Bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a medical procedure used to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. It is commonly used to treat various types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma, as well as other blood disorders. The procedure involves collecting healthy stem cells from a donor or the patient, and then transplanting these cells into the patient’s body to help regenerate healthy bone marrow and restore the production of blood cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for a bone marrow transplant?
Candidates include patients with certain types of cancer (leukemia, lymphoma), blood disorders (anemia, thalassemia), and other bone marrow diseases.
How is the stem cell donor selected?
Donors are selected based on genetic compatibility. A close match reduces the risk of complications. Donors may be family members or from a registry.
What is the difference between autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplants?
Autologous transplants use the patient’s own stem cells, while allogeneic transplants use stem cells from a donor. Allogeneic transplants can be from a related or unrelated donor.
