Bone marrow transplant is a recent invention as far as medical history is concerned. The first cases of BMT were perhaps done in the early 1970s. It was done for the treatment of acute leukemia and aplastic anemia. However, as technology and research have moved on, Leukemia bone marrow transplant or BMT is now being recognized as one of the most effective ways of treating patients who suffer from improper formation and inadequate formation of white blood cells, red blood cells and also platelets. All this has been possible because of advances in the fields of transplant immunobiology, patient supportive care and also prevention of instances of graft-versus-host diseases. In many cases, BMT has given a new lease of life to thousands of patients because without this approach, these patients would have had very little life left ahead of them. Hence, there is no denying the fact it certainly is a path-breaking invention. Hence, if there are any patients on the lookout for the right AML bone marrow transplant options, then it is quite likely that the next few lines could be useful and knowledge enhancing.

How Is This Done?

When a patient is diagnosed with acute leukemia or blood cancer, aplastic anemia or other such life-threatening diseases, he or she might become a potential candidate for BMT. However, there are other factors such as the age of the patient, his or her general medical conditions, pre-existing diseases, and health problems and so on. The doctors led by a team of blood specialists are the ones who will decide whether the patient is good enough for bone marrow transplant.

Once the patient is found medically fit, bone marrow from the donor is injected into his body, through an intravenous process. We have to bear in mind that there is no surgery involved and it is all done by injecting healthy bone marrow and cells into the body. It takes a few days time for the healthy bone marrow to find its place. If the recipient’s body accepts the BMT then the body starts producing quality blood cells and that too in the right quantities.

The Challenges

While the above information is encouraging and good, there could be any complications along the way. Rejection of bone marrow is one of the biggest challenges that one faces when they go in for BMT. It is quite common and when this happens, the doctors have a problem at hand. Further, before BMT is done, the patients have to be put on chemotherapy. This again is a complicated process and patients in bad health may not be able to withstand such harsh courses of chemotherapy. Immediately after that if the patient has to be put through a process of BMT then this again could lead to severe complications.

There are a number of side effects including the risk of organ failure. Lung diseases and malfunctioning of the pulmonary tract is quite common. Patients with impaired kidney, liver and heart functions could also be at risk of severe side effects. Hence, the challenges, risks, and benefits must all be evaluated in totality and only then should the right decision be taken whether to move forward or not.

Contact US:

Gift of Life Marrow Registry
Address:  800 Yamato Rd suite 101  Boca Raton, FL
Phone: (800) 962-7769