Why is a bone marrow transplant done?

A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a procedure in which healthy stem cells are introduced into a patient's body to replace diseased or damaged stem cells. Here are some of the reasons why a bone marrow transplant is performed:

1. To treat certain cancers: BMT is commonly used to treat blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. In these cases, the patient's own diseased bone marrow is destroyed using high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and healthy stem cells from a donor are infused to help rebuild the bone marrow and immune system.

2. To treat blood disorders: BMT is also used to treat certain non-cancerous blood disorders, such as severe aplastic anemia (SAA) and sickle cell disease. In SAA, the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells, while in sickle cell disease, abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped and block blood vessels. BMT can help restore healthy blood cell production in these conditions.

3. To correct immune system deficiencies: BMT may be performed to treat severe immune system disorders such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). SCID is a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of immune cells, leaving individuals highly susceptible to infections. BMT can help provide a healthy immune system.

4. To treat genetic diseases: BMT can be used to treat certain genetic diseases that affect the blood or bone marrow. For example, it may be used to treat conditions like thalassemia and Fanconi anemia.

5. As a research treatment: BMT is also used in certain experimental or research treatments, such as in gene therapy or transplantation of genetically engineered stem cells.

It's important to note that a bone marrow transplant is a complex procedure with potential risks and complications, and it is only considered when other treatment options have failed or are not suitable.