Is Bone Marrow Transplant High Risk?
Yes, bone marrow transplants is a complex treatment with a significant risk of serious complications. However, some people experience minimal problems. Here's a breakdown of why:
Bone marrow transplants involve a complex process of conditioning the patient's body (often with high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation) to destroy the existing bone marrow, followed by the infusion of new stem cells.
There are various potential complications, some of which can be life-threatening. These include:
The conditioning process weakens the immune system, making patients highly susceptible to infections.
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs in allogeneic transplants (using donor cells) when the donor's immune cells attack the recipient's tissues.
The high-dose treatments can damage organs like the heart, lungs, and liver. The transplanted cells may fail to engraft (start producing new blood cells).
Low platelet counts can cause serious bleeding. There is a risk of developing new cancers later in life.
The recovery period is long and challenging, requiring close monitoring and supportive care. The risks associated with a bone marrow transplant can vary significantly depending on factors such as: type of transplant (autologous or allogeneic), patient's age and overall health, underlying disease being treated, and donor and recipient match.
It's crucial for patients considering a bone marrow transplant to have a thorough discussion with their healthcare team to understand the potential risks and benefits.
For more information visit the official site:: https://www.edhacare.com/treatments/organ-transplant/bone-marrow