Bone Marrow Transplantation FAQ
What is a bone marrow transplant?
A bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure that replaces damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells.
What conditions can be treated with bone marrow transplant?
Bone marrow transplant is used to treat certain cancers, such as leukemia, as well as other blood disorders.
What are the types of bone marrow transplant?
The main types of bone marrow transplants are autologous transplant, allogeneic transplant, and syngeneic transplant.
How is bone marrow transplant performed?
The patient receives high-dose chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both to destroy the diseased bone marrow. Then, the patient receives the healthy stem cells through a vein, similar to a blood transfusion.
What are the risks of bone marrow transplant?
Risks include graft-versus-host disease, infections, bleeding, cataracts, and infertility.
How long does it take to recover from a bone marrow transplant?
The recovery time varies for each person. It may take several months to feel back to normal.
What are the success rates of bone marrow transplantation?
Success rates vary depending on various factors such as the condition being treated, the age and overall health of the patient, and the type of transplant.
Can a bone marrow donor be anyone?
Potential donors need to undergo testing to determine if they are a compatible match. Family members are often the best match, but unrelated donors can also be used.
Are there any diet restrictions after a bone marrow transplant?
Patients are advised to follow a diet that reduces the risk of infection, such as avoiding raw foods and certain water sources.
Can I go back to work after a bone marrow transplant?
Returning to work will depend on the individual's recovery progress and the type of work they do. It's important to discuss with the healthcare team.
What is the cost of a bone marrow transplant?
The cost can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of transplant, length of hospital stay, and post-transplant medications.
Can I get vaccinations after a bone marrow transplant?
Patients will need to discuss vaccinations with their healthcare team. Some vaccines may need to be avoided due to the weakened immune system after the transplant.
How are the donors for bone marrow transplantation selected?
Donors are selected based on matching human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types, which are proteins on the surface of white blood cells.
What supportive care is needed after a bone marrow transplant?
Supportive care may include measures to prevent infection, monitoring for complications, and medications to manage symptoms and prevent rejection of the new cells.
Is there an age limit for bone marrow transplantation?
Age alone is not a barrier to bone marrow transplantation, but older patients may have a higher risk of complications.
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Information provided by Maryam Abdullahi-Mahdi. Reviewed by Mr. Matthew Liew