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Bone marrow transplant

A bone marrow transplant is a treatment of certain types of cancer and non-cancerous conditions. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue that is located inside the long bones. Blood cells and platelets are produced within the bone marrow. Cells have a vital role in keeping the body healthy and free of disease. Red blood cells pick up and carry oxygen from the lungs and distribute this oxygen to the rest of the body. White blood cells fight invading infections. Platelets allow the blood to clot, for example, after injury from a cut or scrape.

A bone marrow transplant is used to:

• enhance or restore a person's immune response or supply of blood cells or
• replace diseased or destroyed bone marrow with normal functioning bone marrow

The procedure involves finding a bone marrow donor who has a similar genetic makeup to the patient. Bone marrow for a transplant can come from:

• a tissue-matched family member
• a tissue-matched unrelated donor or
• the patient, who can have healthy cells stored for future use, if needed

The next step is to collect the marrow from the donor's hipbone. This is done under general anesthesia using a special syringe and needle. The donor's marrow is given to the patient by vein, like a blood transfusion. The marrow finds its way to the inside of major bones and begins to produce new and normal blood cells in about 2 weeks.

In recent years, it was discovered that the stem cells produced in the bone marrow circulate in the blood stream (peripheral circulation). This has led to the ability to collect, preserve, and re-infuse these cells when needed by the patient. Transplantation with cells obtained from peripheral circulation now represents about 75 percent of autologous transplants (transplants with the patient's own stem cells) for solid tumors.

Until the new bone marrow starts to produce new blood cells, the patient is at increased risk for infection, bleeding, and reactions to the new marrow. During this time, precautions are taken to prevent infections. Platelets are given to control bleeding.

Consult the UI Health Care Cancer Information Service for more information about this topic.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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