Bone Marrow &
Stem Cell
Transplantation

Overview

Bone marrow and stem cell transplantation are medical procedures used in the treatment of certain cancers and other disorders involving the blood and immune system. Here's an overview of these procedures and how they contribute to cancer treatment.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found in the cavities of bones, and it is a crucial part of the body's blood-forming (hematopoietic) system. Bone marrow transplantation involves replacing damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy marrow from a donor. It is commonly used in the treatment of hematologic cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It allows for the replacement of damaged or cancerous bone marrow with healthy cells, potentially leading to the production of normal blood cells.

Stem Cell Transplantation

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the ability to develop into various types of cells in the body. Stem cell transplantation involves the infusion of healthy stem cells into a patient to restore or replace damaged cells and tissues. Stem cell transplantation is used in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Allogeneic transplants, in particular, can provide a new immune system that may recognise and eliminate remaining cancer cells.

Both bone marrow and stem cell transplantation aim to replace diseased or damaged cells with healthy ones, allowing for the regeneration of a functional hematopoietic and immune system. These procedures are often part of treatment strategies for certain cancers, especially when high-dose chemotherapy or radiation is involved, and they offer the potential for long-term disease control or cure. However, they also carry risks and require careful consideration of factors such as donor compatibility and potential complications. The decision to pursue transplantation is made based on the specific characteristics of the patient's condition and the type of cancer being treated.