What is a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)?
A diagnosis requiring a bone marrow transplant might be frightening. But you are not alone. At Artemis Hospital in Gurgaon, we specialize in cutting-edge bone marrow transplants, providing hope and healing to patients suffering from blood cancer, genetic problems, and immune system disease. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about BMT—from how it works to why Artemis is a trusted name in life-saving care.
A Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) is a medical procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. Bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside your bones, produces:
Red blood cells (carry oxygen),
White blood cells (fight infections),
Platelets (prevent bleeding).
When diseases like multiple myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma, or autoimmune diseases disrupt this system, a BMT can reboot your body’s ability to function. Think of it as a “factory reset” for your blood and immune system. At Artemis Hospital, our team tailors each transplant to your unique needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Types of Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT)
Best for: lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or solid tumors.
Pros: No requirement for a donor, and the chance of rejection is low.
Best for: Leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and hereditary diseases.
Pros: Uses healthy donor cells to combat remaining cancer (graft-versus-tumor impact).
Why is a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Needed?
A BMT may be recommended for conditions like:
Leukemia
Relapse lymphoma
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple myeloma.
Aplastic anemia
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
Sickle cell anemia
Thalassemia.
Severe lupus, scleroderma.
Advanced ovarian or testicular cancer.
If chemotherapy, radiation, or medications haven’t worked, a BMT could be your path to recovery.
Preparing for a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)
For the Recipient
Recipients will undergo medical examinations, including blood tests, heart/lung evaluations, and imaging scans, to confirm they are fit for the surgery.
High-dose chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate damaged marrow (1-2 weeks before transplant).
Central line placement involves inserting a catheter into a big vein to facilitate the transfer of cells, drugs, and blood draws.
Mental preparation includes anxiety counseling and discussions with previous BMT patients at Artemis for support.
For the Donor
Health screenings include blood testing and physical examinations to ensure compatibility and fitness.
A minor procedure is performed under anesthesia to harvest marrow from the hip bone.
Daily injections of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC) for 4-5 days to transfer stem cells into the bloodstream, followed by apheresis (drawing blood by IV, separating cells, and returning the remainder).
Donors usually return to normal activities within 1-2 days.
Artemis Hospital’s donor team ensures the process is smooth, safe, and minimally disruptive.
Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Procedure
Before the Transplant
Hospital Admission: You’ll move into a sterile isolation room to prevent infections.
Last rounds of chemotherapy/radiation to wipe out remaining diseased cells. Family visits (with protective gear) and access to Artemis’s counseling services.
During the Transplant
Transplant Day: The stem cells are infused into your bloodstream through the central line—like a blood transfusion.
Transplant takes around 1–2 hours; you’re awake but may feel chilly or experience mild cramps. Nurses track vital signs for allergic reactions or fever.
After the Transplant
Engraftment Phase: Over 2-4 weeks, new stem cells travel to your marrow and start producing blood cells.
Blood transfusions, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medications to manage side effects. Stay in the hospital for 4–6 weeks until your immune system strengthens.
At Artemis, our BMT units are equipped with HEPA filters and 24/7 specialist care to keep you safe.
Risks & Complications of Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)
While BMT saves lives, there are some potential risks:
Low immunity makes you more vulnerable to bacteria and viruses.
Graft v/s host disease (GVHD) occurs when donor cells assault your body (frequently in allogeneic transplants).
Chemotherapy can cause liver and lung damage.
Graft failure occurs when new cells do not engraft adequately.
How Artemis Reduces Risk:
Advanced HLA matching reduces the risk of GVHD.
Antivirals, antifungals, and immunosuppressants are all examples of prophylactic medications.
Daily Monitoring: Blood tests and symptom assessments.
14 bedded rooms with hepa filters and trained staff to reduce risk of infections.
Recovery After Bone Marrow Transplant
For the first 3 months:
To avoid infections, avoid raw foods and instead, eat cooked meals.
Short walks indoors; no busy areas.
Follow-ups: Artemis conducts weekly blood tests to monitor development.
In 3-6 Months:
If blood counts have stabilized, you may return to work or school.
Re-administer childhood vaccines (post-BMT immunity resets).
Long-term lifestyle:
Long-term lifestyle changes include using sunscreen to protect the skin and refraining from smoking and alcohol.
Check for late consequences, such as secondary malignancies, annually.
Artemis offers a personalized recovery plan that includes nutrition advice and physiotherapy.
Why Choose Artemis Hospital for Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) in Gurgaon?
JCI-Accredited Facility: Meets worldwide safety and care requirements.
Experienced Team: Hematologists, oncologists, and transplant specialists with 10+ years of experience.
Modern BMT Unit: Isolation rooms with positive air pressure to prevent infections.
Support: Psychological treatment, nutritional instruction, and survivor support groups are examples of holistic support.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
A bone marrow transplant is more than simply a treatment; it is an opportunity to rewrite your story. At Artemis Hospital, we are here to help you with expertise, sensitivity, and excellence.
Are you ready to explore your options? Schedule a visit with one of our BMT specialists today.
Reviewed By Dr. Gaurav Dixit
Unit Head - Haemato Oncology
Artemis Hospitals
FAQs About Bone Marrow Transplant
What is a bone marrow transplant? / What happens during a bone marrow transplant?
A bone marrow transplant is a procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. During the process, stem cells are injected into the bloodstream, where they travel to the bone marrow and begin to produce new blood cells.
What is bone marrow?
Bone marrow is a spongy structure found inside bones that generates blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
How serious is a bone marrow transplant?
It is a serious medical surgery that may result in infections, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), or organ damage. However, it can be life-saving in some cases.
Is bone marrow transplant 100% successful?
No, success is dependent on the patient's condition, donor compatibility, and post-transplant care. The success rate varies, but it has improved dramatically with newer procedures.
Who cannot donate bone marrow?
People with certain medical conditions, infections, or a history of cancer may be ineligible. Age and overall health are also considered during donor screening.
What age is good for bone marrow transplant?
There’s no strict age limit, but younger patients generally have better outcomes. Eligibility depends on overall health and the specific condition being treated.
What are the risks of bone marrow transplant?
Infections, GVHD, organ damage, and graft failure are all potential risks. Close monitoring and care help to mitigate these dangers.
What is the survival rate for bone marrow transplants?
Survival rates vary but range from 50% to 90%, depending on the disease, donor match, and patient’s health.
Can females donate bone marrow?
Yes, females can donate bone marrow if they meet health and eligibility criteria.
How long is the hospital stay after a bone marrow transplant?
Patients are often hospitalized for 3-4 weeks before returning home to heal for several months.
What are some diseases that may benefit from bone marrow transplant?
It is used to treat leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, sickle cell disease, and several hereditary abnormalities.
Are stem cell transplants common?
Yes, stem cell transplants are becoming more prevalent and are used to treat a variety of blood and immune system conditions.
Who is a candidate for a stem cell transplant?
Patients with blood cancer, bone marrow failure, or genetic abnormalities who have not responded to previous treatments are eligible.
What are the advantages of stem cell transplants?
Many patients benefit from their ability to cure or control diseases, replace damaged bone marrow, and improve their quality of life.
Can you have a normal life after a bone marrow transplant?
Yes, many patients return to a normal life after recovery, though they may need ongoing medical care and lifestyle adjustments.
How long does it take to recover from a stem cell transplant?
Full recovery can take 6-12 months, with close monitoring for problems over the first year.
What’s the success rate for stem cell transplants?
Success rates vary between 50% and 90%, depending on the condition, donor match, and patient's overall health.
Why are blood stem cell transplants more common than bone marrow transplants?
Blood stem cell transplants are less invasive, easier to collect, and need a shorter recovery period than standard bone marrow transplants.
Is Bone marrow transplant a surgery?
No, It's a medical procedure and no surgery or anaesthesia is required.
