Types of Bone Marrow Transplant

Introduction

A Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) is a life-saving procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. These stem cells help rebuild normal blood cell production and restore the immune system. Based on the source of stem cells and the patient’s medical needs, several types of BMT are used. Each type has unique benefits, risks, and applications. Understanding these helps in choosing the right treatment.

Types of Bone Marrow Transplant

1. Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant :- An Autologous BMT uses the patient’s own stem cells. These cells are collected before high-dose chemotherapy or radiation and stored safely. After cancer treatment, the stem cells are infused back to restore bone marrow function.

How It Works

Doctors collect stem cells from the patient’s blood, freeze them, and administer high-dose therapy to kill cancer cells. Once treatment is complete, the saved stem cells are infused back and start rebuilding healthy marrow.

Who Is It For?

• Multiple myeloma
  
• Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
  
• Certain solid tumors
  

Advantages

• No risk of donor mismatch
  
• Low rejection risk
  
• Faster recovery in many cases
  

2. Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant :- In an Allogeneic BMT, stem cells come from a donor usually a sibling, family member, or an unrelated matched donor. This type is used when the patient’s own marrow is severely damaged or cannot function properly.

How It Works

The patient receives conditioning therapy to destroy diseased marrow. Then healthy donor stem cells are infused, forming a new, functioning blood and immune system.

Who Is It For?

• Leukemia
  
• Aplastic anemia
  
• Genetic blood disorders
  
• Immune system disorders
  

Advantages

• Provides a completely new immune system
  
• Can fight remaining cancer cells through graft-versus-tumor effect
  

3. Haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplant ;- A Haploidentical BMT uses a half-matched donor, often a parent, sibling, or child. This option is used when a fully matched donor is not available. With modern advancements, this type has become safer and widely used.

How It Works

Doctors perform genetic matching to identify a half-match donor. Special medications are used to reduce rejection and complications. The donor’s stem cells are infused to restore bone marrow function.

Who Is It For?

• Patients without a full donor match
  
• Urgent transplant cases
  
• High-risk blood cancers
  

Advantages

• Greater donor availability
  
• Faster transplant planning
  
• Good outcomes with proper treatment
  

4. Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant :- This type uses stem cells collected from umbilical cord blood after childbirth. Cord blood contains young, highly flexible stem cells that can adapt easily inside the patient’s body.

How It Works

Cord blood units are stored in special banks. When needed, doctors choose a suitable match and infuse the cord blood stem cells. These cells multiply and rebuild the marrow.

Who Is It For?

• Children with leukemia or immune disorders
  
• Adults who cannot find a donor match
  
• Patients needing quick transplant options
  

Advantages

• Less strict donor matching needed
  
• Lower risk of complications
  
• Easier availability through cord blood banks
  

5. Syngeneic Bone Marrow Transplant :- A Syngeneic BMT is done between identical twins. Since their genetic makeup is the same, this transplant has the lowest risk of rejection.

How It Works

Stem cells from one twin are infused into the other after conditioning therapy. The new stem cells replace damaged marrow without mismatch issues.

Who Is It For?

• Identical twins with bone marrow failure
  
• Blood cancers like leukemia
  
• Immune and genetic disorders
  

Advantages

• No risk of graft-versus-host disease
  
• Excellent compatibility
  
• Faster healing and fewer complications
  

Conclusion

Bone Marrow Transplant is tailored to each patient depending on age, disease type, donor availability, and severity. Whether it is autologous, allogeneic, haploidentical, cord blood-based, or syngeneic, each type plays a critical role in saving lives and restoring normal blood function. With advances in medical science, success rates continue to rise, providing hope for thousands of patients worldwide.