Stem Cell Transplant (Bone Marrow Transplant): Advantages, Disadvantages and Complications
Stem cell transplants involve the replacement of cancerous,
abnormal, or damaged stem cells with healthy ones, often referred to as bone
marrow transplants. Typically, these transplants utilize peripheral blood stem
cells found in the bloodstream, although some may involve bone marrow or
umbilical cord blood stem cells. Whether using the patient's own healthy stem
cells or donated ones, healthcare providers employ this procedure to treat
specific types of cancer, blood disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Blood Cancer
Stem cell transplants are a recourse for healthcare
providers when standard treatments prove ineffective or when blood cancers
resurface. These transplants are employed to combat various blood cancers,
including multiple myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute
myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome,
chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, myelofibrosis, and
polycythemia vera.
Blood Disorders
Blood disorders are ailments that hinder specific components
of the blood from fulfilling their functions. Stem cell transplants may be
employed by healthcare providers in the treatment of conditions such as
aplastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome,
and thalassemia.
Other Conditions
Stem cell transplants may be utilized by healthcare
providers to address other conditions such as relapsing-remitting multiple
sclerosis, an autoimmune disease, or testicular germ cell tumors that resurface
following chemotherapy.
What happens during Stem Cell Transplant ?
During a stem cell transplant, whether you're receiving
donated stem cells or your own, the procedure resembles receiving medication or
a blood transfusion through an intravenous catheter (IV) tube. Initially, your
provider may administer fluids and medication to mitigate potential side
effects or decrease the risk of your body rejecting the new stem cells.
Subsequently, they will begin infusing the stem cells, a process that can span
several hours. Throughout the infusion, your provider will regularly monitor
for indications of fever, chills, and other possible side effects.
What are the
advantages of Stem Cell Transplant?
Stem cell transplants offer the potential to cure or slow down certain blood cancers or blood disorders that have not responded to other types of treatment.
What are the disadvantages of stem cell transplant?
The primary risk is that despite undergoing the procedure,
the transplanted stem cells may not effectively slow down or eliminate your
illness.
What are the
complications?
Complications associated with stem cell transplants can vary
depending on factors like your overall health, age, and previous treatments,
including pre-transplant chemotherapy (conditioning). If you're contemplating a
stem cell transplant, your healthcare provider will discuss potential
complications with you so you can assess the risks versus the potential
benefits. Allogeneic stem cell transplants are more prone to causing
complications such as:
- Graft vs. Host Disease (GvHD).
- Infection
When to consult with
a Doctor?
You will have regular follow-up appointments with your Doctor. However, it's crucial to remember that your immune system may remain weak for about a year following your transplantation. Contact with a Bmt specialist. If you are living in Delhi then you can consult with Dr. Pawan Kumar Singh who is a Bmt Specialist in Delhi. Book an Appointment with a Bmt specialist immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, 38 degrees Celsius).
- Chills.
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
- Coughing, sneezing, or runny nose.
- Frequent or painful urination (dysuria).
- Rash.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
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