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. These stem cells rebuild the body's ability to produce normal blood cells. SL Raheja Hospital in Mumbai offers bone marrow transplant services for patients with blood cancers and related marrow disorders.
Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside bones that produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When disease, genetic conditions, or high-dose chemotherapy destroys this tissue, a transplant can restore normal blood cell production.
Tip: A bone marrow transplant is also called a stem cell transplant — both terms refer to the same procedure. The source of stem cells may differ, but the goal is identical: restoring healthy blood cell production.
What conditions require a bone marrow transplant?
Doctors recommend a bone marrow transplant when the marrow is unable to produce healthy blood cells due to disease, damage, or treatment side effects. The following conditions are commonly treated with BMT:
- Blood cancers: Leukaemia (acute and chronic), lymphoma, and multiple myeloma
- Aplastic anaemia: A condition where the marrow stops making enough blood cells
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): Disorders where blood cells are malformed or insufficient
- Sickle cell disease: A genetic red blood cell disorder
- Thalassaemia: An inherited blood disorder affecting haemoglobin production
- Immune deficiency disorders: Such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
- Myelofibrosis: Scarring of the bone marrow that disrupts blood cell production
Not every patient with these conditions will require a transplant. The decision depends on disease stage, overall health, and response to other treatments.
What is the difference between autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplant?
There are two primary types of bone marrow transplant. Understanding the difference helps patients and families ask informed questions during consultation.
| Type | Stem Cell Source | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Autologous BMT | Patient's own stem cells, collected before high-dose chemotherapy | Multiple myeloma, certain lymphomas |
| Allogeneic BMT | Stem cells from a matched donor (sibling, unrelated donor, or cord blood) | Leukaemia, aplastic anaemia, thalassaemia, MDS |
In an autologous transplant, there is no risk of donor rejection, but the procedure cannot provide a graft-versus-tumour effect. In an allogeneic transplant, the donor's immune cells may help destroy remaining cancer cells, but donor matching and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are important considerations.
How do doctors decide if a patient needs a bone marrow transplant?
The decision to proceed with a bone marrow transplant involves a thorough clinical evaluation. No single factor determines eligibility — the transplant team reviews multiple criteria together.
- Diagnosis and disease stage: BMT is typically considered when the disease has not responded adequately to standard treatment or carries a high relapse risk.
- Overall health and organ function: Heart, lung, liver, and kidney function are assessed to confirm the patient can tolerate the conditioning regimen (high-dose chemotherapy or radiation given before the transplant).
- Donor availability (for allogeneic BMT): A compatible donor must be identified through HLA (human leukocyte antigen) matching.
- Age and performance status: While there is no absolute age cut-off, the patient's functional status and ability to recover are carefully weighed.
- Patient and family readiness: BMT requires a prolonged recovery period; social support and the ability to comply with follow-up care are considered.
Tip: A multidisciplinary team — including haematologists, transplant specialists, and supportive care physicians — reviews each case individually before recommending a transplant.
When should a patient consult a BMT specialist?
Seek a specialist consultation promptly if any of the following apply. Early referral can expand treatment options and improve outcomes.
- A haematologist or oncologist has mentioned bone marrow transplant as a potential treatment option
- A blood cancer diagnosis (leukaemia, lymphoma, or myeloma) has not responded to two or more lines of chemotherapy
- Aplastic anaemia is severe and not responding to immunosuppressive therapy
- A child or adult has been diagnosed with thalassaemia major or sickle cell disease and a matched sibling donor is available
- Persistent, unexplained low blood counts (anaemia, low platelets, or low white cells) lasting more than four weeks despite investigation
- A genetic or inherited marrow failure syndrome has been confirmed
Warning: Do not delay a referral while waiting for symptoms to worsen. For conditions such as acute leukaemia, the window for transplant eligibility can narrow quickly. Contact a BMT specialist as soon as your treating doctor raises the possibility.
How does SL Raheja Hospital in Mumbai support bone marrow transplant patients?
SL Raheja Hospital in Mumbai, located at Mahim West, provides bone marrow transplant care through a multidisciplinary haematology and oncology team. The hospital evaluates patients for both autologous and allogeneic transplants, coordinating donor matching, conditioning regimens, and post-transplant follow-up under one care pathway.
Patients considering a bone marrow transplant in Mumbai can use the booking form on this page to request a consultation with the BMT team. For questions about specific stem cell transplant procedures or to speak with a BMT specialist, reach out directly using the contact details below.
Book a BMT consultation at SL Raheja Hospital
Use the booking form on this page, or reach out directly:
Email: info@rahejahospital.com