Leading the Way in Bone Marrow Transplantation
At our Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Department, we are deeply committed to offering care that is both comprehensive and compassionate. We understand that facing a medical journey can be challenging, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. By harnessing the latest advancements in medical science, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for you and your loved ones.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Tailored to the specific needs and conditions of each patient.
Supportive Environment
Creating a nurturing space that promotes healing and well-being.
Empowerment
Providing patients and their families with the information and support needed to make informed decisions about their treatment.
Advanced Bone Marrow Transplant Procedures
The department offers a range of advanced transplant procedures tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant
This procedure involves using the patient’s own stem cells to restore bone marrow function after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant
This procedure involves using stem cells from a donor, which can be a related or unrelated matched donor, to replace diseased or damaged bone marrow.
Haploidentical Transplant
This type of transplant uses partially matched donor cells, often from a family member, offering more flexibility in finding a suitable donor. The Unit has a facility for apheresis, cryopreservation, blood storage, specialised pathology lab and stem cell processing services.
Multidisciplinary Approach
collaboration between departments
The Department employs a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach that addresses all aspects of each patient’s health and well-being to ensure comprehensive care. Our team includes:
Hematologists / BMT Physicians
Specialists in blood disorders and bone marrow transplantation.
Oncologists
Experts in cancer treatment, providing integrated care for patients with hematologic malignancies.
Transplant Coordinators
Professionals who manage the transplant process and coordinate care between patients, families, and medical teams.
Supportive Care Team
Including Trained Transplant Nurses, Transfusion Medicine Expert, Nutritionists, Psychologists, and palliative care specialists providing holistic support. The department is backed by Infection Control Specialists, Intensivists, Haematopathologist, Microbiologist, Physiotherapist and Counsellors.
Technology & Infrastructure
Advanced Diagnostic Tools
Comprehensive testing to accurately diagnose and monitor conditions.
Transplant ICU
Completely equipped transplant intensive care unit.
Innovative Treatment Protocols
Access to the latest clinical trials and research-backed treatment options.
Specialised Wards
For post-transplant care and monitoring. The wards are equipped with state-of-the art facilities.
Prompt Infection Control Practices
Department follows stringent infection control norms based on international guidelines.
High-Tech Transplant Units
Specialised units designed to provide a sterile and safe environment for transplant patients. All units have a dedicated air handling unit and HEPA filtration system with en-suite facilities.
Our Specialists
Medical Oncology Specialists
Surgical Oncology Specialists
FAQs
What Is a Bone Marrow Transplant?
A bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure performed to replace bone marrow that has been damaged or destroyed by disease, infection, or chemotherapy. This procedure involves transplanting blood stem cells, which travel to the bone marrow where they produce new blood cells and promote growth of new marrow.
Bone marrow is the spongy, fatty tissue inside your bones. It creates the following parts of the blood:
- red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body
- white blood cells, which fight infection
- platelets, which are responsible for the formation of clots
A bone marrow transplant replaces your damaged stem cells with healthy cells. This helps your body make enough white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells to avoid infections, bleeding disorders, or anaemia.
Healthy stem cells can come from a donor, or they can come from your own body. In such cases, stem cells can be harvested, or grown, before you start chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Those healthy cells are then stored and used in transplantation.
Is Surgery Effective in Treating Cancer?
The effectiveness of cancer treatment depends on the cancer stage. When detected early, surgery ensures that cancer cells and all affected tissues are removed. This can ensure cancer is completely treated. In advanced stages, cancer would have to spread to other parts making treatment all the more difficult.
Why You May Need a Bone Marrow Transplant
Bone marrow transplants are performed when a person’s marrow isn’t healthy enough to function properly. This could be due to chronic infections, disease, or cancer treatments. Some reasons for a bone marrow transplant include:
- Aplastic anaemia, which is a disorder in which the marrow stops making new blood cells
- Cancers that affect the marrow, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma
- Damaged bone marrow due to chemotherapy
- Congenital neutropenia, which is an inherited disorder that causes recurring infections
- Sickle cell anaemia, which is an inherited blood disorder that causes misshapen red blood cells
- Thalassemia, which is an inherited blood disorder where the body makes an abnormal form of haemoglobin, an integral part of red blood cells
What Are the Complications Associated with a Bone Marrow Transplant?
A bone marrow transplant is considered a major medical procedure and increases your risk of experiencing:
- a drop in blood pressure
- a headache
- nausea
- pain
- shortness of breath
- chills
- a fever
The above symptoms are typically short-lived, but a bone marrow transplant can cause complications. Your chances of developing these complications depend on several factors, including:
- your age
- your overall health
- the disease you’re being treated for
- the type of transplant you’ve received
- complications can be mild or serious
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. They can help you weigh the risks and complications against the potential benefits of this procedure.
How to Prepare for a Bone Marrow Transplant
Prior to your transplant, you’ll undergo several tests to discover what type of bone marrow cells you need.
You may also undergo radiation or chemotherapy to kill off all cancer cells or marrow cells before you get the new stem cells.
Bone marrow transplant and post transplant care may require 3-4 weeks. Therefore, you must make arrangements before your first transplant session. These can include:
- Housing near the hospital for your loved ones
- Insurance coverage, payment of bills, and other financial concerns
- Care of children or pets
- Taking medical leave from work
- Packing clothes and other necessities
- Arranging travel to and from the hospital
During treatments, your immune system will be compromised, affecting its ability to fight infections. Therefore, you’ll stay in a special section of the hospital that’s reserved for people receiving bone marrow transplants. This reduces your risk of being exposed to anything that could cause an infection.
Don’t hesitate to bring a list of questions to ask your doctor. It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident before the procedure and that all of your questions are answered thoroughly. The transplant process can be emotionally taxing. Talking to a professional can help you through this process.
How Do I Know What Type of Bone Marrow Transplant Is Best for Me?
Your transplant physician will discuss with you the treatment options that are best suited for your diagnosis.
How Long Will I Be In the Hospital for My Bone Marrow Transplant?
You will be in the hospital for about 3 weeks if you are having an autologous stem cell transplant, and about 4 weeks if you are having an allogeneic stem cell transplant. You will have a private room, which has been specially cleaned and prepared for you.
In order to keep your environment protected or clean, the door of your room will remain closed. When the door is opened, the air pressure will ensure that air from the hallway will not enter. Every room is furnished with a private bathroom, cupboard, closet, telephone and television.
When Can I Return to Work After My Bone Marrow Transplant?
It is not unusual to be anxious to return to your normal routine after your hematopoietic stem cell transplant, including going back to work. For a period of time after your transplant, you will be focusing on regaining your strength and stamina after your long hospitalisation.
You will also need to avoid crowds for a period of time after your transplant because of your decreased immune function and increased risk of infection. It is recommended that you wait 3-6 months following an autologous transplant before returning to work, and 6-12 months following an allogeneic transplant.
The timing also depends on your work environment: how clean it is, how strenuous the work, how many people you come in contact with, and your expected work hours. Your transplant physician will take all of these factors into consideration in order to determine when you will be ready to return to work.