Information on Bone Marrow Transplant
Get essential information on bone marrow transplants, including types, procedure details, recovery process, potential risks, and tips for better outcomes.
Written by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai
Reviewed by Dr. Siri Nallapu MBBS
Last updated on 27th Aug, 2025
If you or a loved one has been advised to undergo a bone marrow transplant (BMT), you may have many questions and concerns. This guide will help you understand what a bone marrow transplant is, why it’s needed, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What is a Bone Marrow Transplant?
A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a medical procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones that produces blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). When the bone marrow is not functioning properly due to diseases like leukaemia, lymphoma, or genetic disorders, a transplant may be necessary.
Types of Bone Marrow Transplants
There are three main types of BMT:
1. Autologous Transplant – Uses the patient’s own stem cells, which are collected and stored before high-dose chemotherapy or radiation.
2. Allogeneic Transplant – Uses stem cells from a donor (a sibling, unrelated donor, or umbilical cord blood).
3. Syngeneic Transplant – Uses stem cells from an identical twin.
Why is a Bone Marrow Transplant Needed?
A BMT may be recommended for conditions such as:
- Blood cancers (leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma)
- Bone marrow failure disorders (aplastic anaemia, myelodysplastic syndromes)
- Genetic disorders (thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, immune deficiencies)
Some autoimmune diseases
Consult a Haematologist for the best advice
What Happens Before a Bone Marrow Transplant?
Before undergoing a bone marrow transplant, certain important steps are taken to prepare your body and ensure the best possible outcome:
1. Evaluation & Tests
Before the transplant, doctors will conduct several tests to assess overall health, including:
- Blood tests
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Imaging scans (CT, MRI, X-rays)
- Heart and lung function tests
2. Finding a Donor (For Allogeneic Transplant)
If a donor is needed, doctors will check for a HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) match, usually from a sibling. If no family match is found, a search is done through national or international donor registries.
3. Conditioning Therapy
Before the transplant, patients undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation to:
- Destroy diseased bone marrow
- Suppress the immune system (to prevent rejection in allogeneic transplants)
- This phase can be tough, causing side effects like nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
What Happens During the Transplant?
The transplant itself is a simple procedure, similar to a blood transfusion:
- Healthy stem cells are given through an IV.
- The cells travel to the bone marrow and start producing new blood cells.
- This process is called engraftment and can take 2-4 weeks.
Recovery After a Bone Marrow Transplant
Recovery after a bone marrow transplant is a gradual process that requires careful monitoring, medical support, and healthy lifestyle practices:
1. Hospital Stay (3-6 weeks)
Patients stay in the hospital to monitor for complications like infections, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), or organ damage.
2. Post-Transplant Care at Home
After discharge, recovery continues at home with:
- Frequent check-ups to monitor blood counts.
- Medications to prevent infections and GVHD.
- A clean, germ-free environment to reduce infection risks.
3. Long-Term Recovery (Months to Years)
Full recovery can take 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of transplant and overall health.
Possible Risks and Complications
While BMT can be life-saving, it comes with risks:
- Infections (due to weakened immunity)
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (in allogeneic transplants)
- Organ damage (from chemotherapy/radiation)
- Relapse of the original disease
Tips for a Successful Recovery
To support a smooth and healthy recovery after a bone marrow transplant, follow these tips:
1. Follow Medical Advice Strictly – Take prescribed medications on time.
2. Maintain Hygiene – Wash hands frequently, avoid crowds, and wear a mask if needed.
3. Eat a Nutritious Diet – Focus on high-protein, well-cooked foods to support healing.
4. Stay Active (Gently) – Light walking helps improve strength.
5. Emotional Support – Counseling or support groups can help cope with stress.
When to Seek Immediate Help
Call your doctor if you experience:
- High fever or chills
- Severe diarrhea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
Final Thoughts
A bone marrow transplant is a complex but life-saving treatment for many blood and immune disorders. While the journey can be challenging, advances in medical science have improved success rates significantly. With proper care, support, and follow-up, many patients go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives after a transplant.
Consult a Haematologist for the best advice
Consult a Haematologist for the best advice
Dr Vijaykumar Shirure
Haematologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD, DM (Clinical Hematology), Fellow (Hemato-oncology), Fellow (Bone Marrow Transplantation)
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
Dr. Velu Nair
Haematologist
36 Years • MBBS, MD (Med.), FRCP, FACP, FAMS, FICP, FIACM, FUICC, FISHTM
Ahmedabad
Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad
(25+ Patients)
Dr Abilash Jain
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS,DNB(FM),MNAMS,FIAMS,CCGMG(GERIATRICS),DGM (GERIATRICS),PGCD(DIABETES,BOSTON UNIVERSITY),FID(DIABETICS UK)CCEPC(PALLIATIVE CARE),CCCC(CRITICAL CARE)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Clinic Vizag, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Sushith C
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Sumanth R
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
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