Bone Marrow Transplantation in Hematology: Starting Life anew

Bone marrow transplantation is an advanced medical procedure used to treat hematologic diseases. As the main source of blood production, bone marrow is responsible for the production of healthy blood cells. However, certain diseases can cause the bone marrow to be unable to fulfill this task. In this case, bone marrow transplantation offers patients a life-saving treatment option.

What is a Bone Marrow Transplant?

Bone marrow transplantation is the process of replacing damaged or dysfunctional bone marrow with stem cells taken from a healthy donor or collected from the patient's own bone marrow. With this method, the patient's system that produces blood cells is restored.

In Which Diseases Is Bone Marrow Transplantation Performed?

Bone marrow transplantation is mainly used to treat hematological (blood) and oncological diseases. The most common areas of application are:

1. Leukemia (Blood Cancer): In acute and chronic forms of leukemia, bone marrow transplantation plays a critical role in curing the disease.
2. Lymphoma: In Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, transplantation may be necessary.
3. Aplastic Anemia: It is applied when the bone marrow cannot produce enough blood cells.
4. MultipleMyeloma: It is used for the treatment of malignant tumors in the bone marrow.
5. Sickle Cell Anemia and Thalassemia: Stem cell transplantation can provide a permanent solution for genetic blood disorders.

Types of Bone Marrow Transplant

Bone marrow transplantation is divided into two main groups according to donor source:

1. Autologous Transplant: Stem cells taken from the patient's own bone marrow are transplanted back into the body after treatment.
2. Allogeneic Transplant: Transplantation of bone marrow or stem cells from a compatible donor into a patient. The donor is usually a relative, but can also be a compatible foreign donor.

How Does the Transfer Process Work?

1. Preparation Phase: The patient's bone marrow is cleaned. This usually involves chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
2. Stem Cell Collection: Stem cells are taken from the donor or the patient.
3. Transfer Process: Stem cells are transplanted intravenously into the patient.
4. Recovery Process: It may take several weeks for the new stem cells to start working properly in the body. During this period, the patient is protected against infections and regularly monitored.

Post-transfer Process

• Immune System Supported: Since the immune system will be weak after transplantation, patients are closely monitored for the risk of infection.
• Long Term Follow-up: Patients are monitored with regular blood tests and clinical examinations.
• Side Effects: Careful follow-up is necessary due to the risk of complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

Becoming a Donor Saving Lives

The greatest need in bone marrow transplants is to find a compatible donor. Stem cell donation is both a simple and life-saving procedure. In Turkey, the Turkish Red Crescent and international bone marrow banks provide guidance to those who wish to become donors.