Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant: What Patients Need to Know
Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant is a highly advanced treatment used in modern cancer care. It plays a major role in treating blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma, where normal blood cell production is severely affected. During oncology consultation, patients are advised about this transplant when traditional treatments like Chemotherapy Radiation therapy need support for long-term recovery.
This treatment helps the body restore its ability to make healthy blood cells and improves immunity to fight future infections and cancers.
Why Stem Cell / Bone Marrow Transplant is Needed?
It is recommended in:
- Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma — blood cancers
- Bone marrow failure and aplastic anemia
- Genetic or immune system disorders
- Cancers that spread to bone marrow during Lung cancer treatment, Colon cancer treatment, Prostate cancer treatment, Ovarian cancer treatment, Cervical cancer treatment
- Severe blood disorders not responding to medicines
This helps in regenerating healthy bone marrow to produce stronger blood and immune cells.
Symptoms That Indicate Bone Marrow Damage
- Extreme tiredness and shortness of breath
- Frequent fevers or infections
- Bleeding or bruising very easily
- Bone pain
- Weight loss and night sweats
- Swelling of lymph nodes — needs cancer screening
Sometimes these symptoms appear after
Head and neck cancer treatment, Liver cancer treatment, Pancreatic cancer treatment, Kidney cancer treatment, Stomach cancer treatment, Esophageal cancer treatment or sarcoma and melanoma treatments.
Types of Stem Cell / Bone Marrow Transplant
- Autologous Transplant Patient’s own stem cells are collected, treated and returned
- Allogeneic Transplant Stem cells come from a matching donor — recommended for most cancers
Both help in rebuilding a stronger immune system.
Treatment Procedure
- High-dose Chemotherapy or sometimes Radiation therapy to remove diseased cells
- Healthy stem cells are infused into the bloodstream
- Stem cells enter the bone marrow and start making new healthy cells
- Monitoring with specialized oncology consultation
Based on cancer type, doctors may also add: Targeted therapy, Immunotherapy for cancer, Hormone therapy cancer etc.
This procedure is also performed for children by a Pediatric oncologist / Best pediatric cancer doctor when needed.
Possible Risks
- Infections due to low immunity initially
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in allogeneic transplant
- Nausea, weakness during recovery
- Longer hospital stay for observation
These are manageable with expert medical care and follow-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is transplant the last option for cancer?
No — It is often planned early to improve survival and quality of life. - How long does recovery take?
Few weeks to months depending on cancer type and immune strength. - Is the procedure painful?
Most steps are painless as it is similar to a blood transfusion. - Can children get this treatment?
Yes — it is extremely beneficial in childhood blood cancers.
About Dr. Saurabh Prasad — Bone Marrow Specialist in Nagpur
Dr. Saurabh Prasad is a trusted Adult & Pediatric Oncologist, Hemato-Oncologist and Bone Marrow Specialist in Nagpur. He provides world-class treatments including: Chemotherapy Radiation therapy, Targeted therapy, Immunotherapy for cancer, Hormone therapy cancer for various cancers such as:
Lung, Colon, Prostate, Ovarian, Cervical, Kidney, Liver, Stomach, Pancreatic, Head & Neck cancers
and specializes in complex Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants. His compassionate and personalized care helps patients fight cancer with confidence and better recovery outcomes.
Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant is a breakthrough treatment that provides a second chance at life for patients with serious blood cancers.
Early cancer screening and timely oncology consultation increase the success rate and improve patient survival significantly.
