Paediatric Haematology Oncology and Stem cell transplant

Save your life with Bone Marrow Transplant

Aster CMI Hospital — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 12:59:05 +0000

Save your life with Bone Marrow Transplant Aster CMI Hospital Fri, 09/20/2024 - 18:29

Bone marrow transplant, also referred to as BMT, is a method through which damaged or destroyed bone marrow is replaced with healthy bone marrow stem cells. Within the bones, there is spongy tissue known as bone marrow, responsible for the production of blood. The transplant is usually done for people suffering from ailments that affect marrow, such as particular cancers, genetic disorders, or those who have undergone chemotherapy & radiation.

What Is Bone Marrow?

Bone marrow is located in the middle of bones like hip bones, thigh bones, etc. It contains stem cells, which are the body's "master cells," capable of developing into various types of blood cells. They make red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These cells perform numerous important functions, such as respiration, immune response, and blood clotting.

In cases where the bone marrow is affected by diseases, it is unable to adequately generate proper red blood cells. This may result in anemia, infections, uncontrolled bleeding, or other blood-related complications. A bone marrow transplant is a surgical procedure that introduces healthy stem cells into the body, ensuring the formation of healthy blood cells.

There are different types of bone marrow transplants. The following are the three main types:

Autologous Transplant: This is when the patient’s stem cells are harvested and preserved before they undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy. After this process, the preserved stem cells are reintroduced into the patient’s body. This type of transplant is mostly done for patients with certain types of cancer, such as Lymphomas and Multiple Myelomas. The advantage of this method is that since the patient’s own cells are grafted, the chances of the body rejecting the transplant are small, though there is a chance that cancerous cells may be transplanted.
Allogeneic Transplant: In this case, the stem cells used are from a different individual, referred to as a donor. This may be a sibling or an unrelated donor with a similar genetic type of stem cells. Allogeneic transplants are mostly employed for patients with leukemia, other cardiovascular diseases, or diseases of genetic nature. The benefits include the potential for the donor stem cells to attack any remaining cancer in the patient’s body (graft versus tumor). However, allogeneic transplants entail more complications, including graft versus host disease (GVHD).
Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant: This type of allogeneic transplant uses stem cells harvested from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby. Cord blood contains a large quantity of stem cells, and these cells do not need to be fully compatible with the patient. This type of transplant is most often employed with children or smaller adults due to the typically fewer stem cells available compared to an adult donation.

What conditions can be treated by performing Bone Marrow Transplants?

It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

Leukemia: A type of cancer that begins in the blood and bone marrow, involving white blood cells. A bone marrow transplant can replace defective bone marrow with healthy cells.
Lymphoma: A disease affecting the lymphatic system, the body’s immune system for identifying and fighting diseases. A transplant may be given after high doses of chemotherapy or radiation to replace the bone marrow.
Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Transplants are used to extend the time the patient remains in remission.
Aplastic Anemia: A condition in which the body fails to produce enough blood cells through the bone marrow. A transplant can help restore normal blood cell production.
Sickle Cell Disease: A condition where a person’s red blood cells have an abnormal shape. An allogeneic transplant, also known as BMT, can cure the disease by replacing defective bone marrow with donor stem cells.
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID): A genetic disorder that severely weakens the immune system. A transplant is crucial for rebuilding the immune system.

What is the Bone Marrow procedure?

Pre-transplant Evaluation: This assessment is done to determine if the patient is suitable for the transplant. It involves various investigations to evaluate organ function and the severity of the disease.
Conditioning: Before the transplant, the patient undergoes a conditioning regimen, often consisting of high doses of chemotherapy and sometimes radiation. This treatment eliminates any remaining cancerous cells and prepares the immune system for the new stem cells.
Infusion of Stem Cells: After conditioning, healthy stem cells are transferred into the patient’s body through an intravenous line. These stem cells travel to the bone marrow and divide to produce new blood cells.
Recovery: It takes time for the new bone marrow to produce healthy blood cells. This process may take weeks or even months. During this time, the patient is closely monitored for infections, bleeding, and other complications.

Risks and Complications of Bone Marrow Transplants

While bone marrow transplants can offer a cure or significant relief from serious diseases, they are not without risks. Some of the most common complications include:

Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD): This occurs when the donated stem cells attack the recipient’s body. GVHD can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild skin rashes to serious liver, lung, and gastrointestinal damage. Managing GVHD requires long-term immunosuppressive therapy.
Infections: These patients undergo an immune suppressive procedure through transplant and the conditioning process, hence they get easily infected by bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Graft Failure: Sometimes the stem cells may not re-establish themselves in the patient’s body and this may result to re-emergence of the disease or other disorders.
Organ Damage: Cytotoxic drugs or high levels of radiation treatment may selectively injure organs within the body inclusive of the heart, the lungs, liver and the kidneys.

What to expect after a Bone Marrow Transplant?

Recovery from a bone marrow transplant is often long and challenging. Full recovery of the immune system can take months or even years. Patients will need regular follow-ups with their healthcare team to monitor for complications and ensure the transplant's success. While some patients return to a relatively normal life, others may deal with long-term effects, including chronic GVHD, fatigue, or organ dysfunction.

Conclusion

A bone marrow transplant is a powerful treatment for many life-threatening diseases, but it is not without challenges. Recent advancements in medical research and a better understanding of the causes and strategies for reducing complications have significantly increased survival rates. Nonetheless, the process remains time-consuming and complex, requiring careful planning, expertise, and support systems for patients and their families. One hopes that as research progresses, bone marrow transplants will become a safer and more successful treatment for severe illnesses.

Dr. Anoop P ,

Sr. Consultant - Haematology, Haemato-Oncology, Paediatric Haemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant

Aster CMI Bangalore

Medical Oncology, Hemato - Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant

Paediatric Haematology Oncology and Stem cell transplant

Patient Testimonial - BMT | Dr. Stalin Ramprakash | Aster CMI Hospital

Aster CMI Hospital — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:02:08 +0000

Patient Testimonial - BMT | Dr. Stalin Ramprakash | Aster CMI Hospital Aster CMI Hospital Tue, 07/30/2024 - 21:32

Dr. Stalin Ramprakash, Consultant in Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and BMT, shares a heartwarming story about a brave 6.5-year-old girl battling thalassemia. After initially failing to find a matched donor, her family opted for a haploidentical transplant, using her father as the donor. Now, six months post-transplant, she is thriving and on track for a full recovery. This touching story highlights the incredible potential of haploidentical transplants, demonstrating how they can provide hope and a brighter future for many families.

Paediatric Haematology Oncology and Stem cell transplant

Dr. Stalin Ramprakash

Aster CMI Bangalore

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Inspiring Journey: Yashodha's Bone Marrow Transplantation Success Story | Dr. Stalin Ramprakash

Aster CMI Hospital — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 15:56:53 +0000

Inspiring Journey: Yashodha's Bone Marrow Transplantation Success Story | Dr. Stalin Ramprakash Aster CMI Hospital Tue, 07/30/2024 - 21:26

Join us as Dr. Stalin Ramprakash, Consultant in Paediatric Haematology, Oncology & BMT at Aster CMI Hospital, shares the inspiring story of 9-year-old Yashodha, who successfully underwent bone marrow transplantation. Yashodha's mother, Ms. Renuka, also speaks about their journey and the exceptional care they received. Discover the dedication, expertise, and compassionate support that made a significant difference in Yashodha's recovery.

Paediatric Haematology Oncology and Stem cell transplant

Dr. Stalin Ramprakash

Aster CMI Bangalore

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How can families access paediatric haematology and oncology services at AIIO?

Aster DM Healthcare — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:10:02 +0000

How can families access paediatric haematology and oncology services at AIIO? Aster DM Healthcare Fri, 02/16/2024 - 17:40

How can families access paediatric haematology and oncology services at AIIO?

Families can access our services by scheduling appointments through our website or contacting our hospital directly. Our team is dedicated to guiding families through the process and ensuring a smooth experience for paediatric patients.

Aster CMI Bangalore

Paediatric Haematology Oncology and Stem cell transplant

Can parents actively participate in decision-making regarding their child's treatment plan?

Aster DM Healthcare — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:09:13 +0000

Can parents actively participate in decision-making regarding their child's treatment plan? Aster DM Healthcare Fri, 02/16/2024 - 17:39

Can parents actively participate in decision-making regarding their child's treatment plan?

Absolutely. We believe in a collaborative approach, and parents are encouraged to actively participate in the decision-making process for their child's treatment. Open communication is key to the success of our treatment plans.

Aster CMI Bangalore

Paediatric Haematology Oncology and Stem cell transplant

What safety measures are in place for paediatric patients at AIIO's state-of-the-art facility?

Aster DM Healthcare — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:08:18 +0000

What safety measures are in place for paediatric patients at AIIO's state-of-the-art facility? Aster DM Healthcare Fri, 02/16/2024 - 17:38

What safety measures are in place for paediatric patients at AIIO's state-of-the-art facility?

AIIO prioritizes the safety of paediatric patients, adhering to the highest standards in healthcare. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring optimal care in a secure environment.

Aster CMI Bangalore

Paediatric Haematology Oncology and Stem cell transplant

How does the collaborative approach work in paediatric care at AIIO?

Aster DM Healthcare — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:05:50 +0000

How does the collaborative approach work in paediatric care at AIIO? Aster DM Healthcare Fri, 02/16/2024 - 17:35

How does the collaborative approach work in paediatric care at AIIO?

Our paediatric haematology, oncology, and stem cell transplant team collaborates seamlessly with surgeons, radiatuon oncologist nurses, and support staff. This collaborative model ensures comprehensive and coordinated care for each child.

Aster CMI Bangalore

Paediatric Haematology Oncology and Stem cell transplant

Is AIIO involved in research initiatives for paediatric haematology and oncology?

Aster DM Healthcare — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:05:14 +0000

Is AIIO involved in research initiatives for paediatric haematology and oncology? Aster DM Healthcare Fri, 02/16/2024 - 17:35

Is AIIO involved in research initiatives for paediatric haematology and oncology?

Yes, AIIO is actively involved in clinical trials and research aimed at advancing paediatric haematology and oncology. We are committed to improving treatment outcomes and expanding our understanding of these conditions.

Aster CMI Bangalore

Paediatric Haematology Oncology and Stem cell transplant

How does AIIO address the emotional needs of paediatric patients and their families?

Aster DM Healthcare — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:04:25 +0000

How does AIIO address the emotional needs of paediatric patients and their families? Aster DM Healthcare Fri, 02/16/2024 - 17:34

How does AIIO address the emotional needs of paediatric patients and their families?

Beyond medical care, we understand the emotional impact of haematological and oncological conditions. Our approach involves providing holistic support, and our facilities are designed to create a comforting environment for children

Aster CMI Bangalore

Paediatric Haematology Oncology and Stem cell transplant

What is the role of stem cell transplant in paediatric care, and when is it recommended?

Aster DM Healthcare — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:03:36 +0000

What is the role of stem cell transplant in paediatric care, and when is it recommended? Aster DM Healthcare Fri, 02/16/2024 - 17:33

What is the role of stem cell transplant in paediatric care, and when is it recommended?

Stem cell transplant is a crucial treatment option for certain paediatric conditions, including lThalassemia, Sickle cell anemias, Aplatic anemia, some high risk leukaemias, primary immunodeficiencies, and genetic disorders. Our experts assess each case individually to determine the suitability of a transplant.

Aster CMI Bangalore

Paediatric Haematology Oncology and Stem cell transplant