- Paras Cancer Centre Patna is the only cancer care unit in the state to provide bone marrow transplant
- Bone marrow transplant is a novel life saving treatment that can treat a number of cancers – Leukemia or blood cancer, lymphoma and myeloma, to list a few
Bone marrow transplant (BMT) is one of the most novel and advanced methods through which you can save the life of many patients suffering from life threatening cancers. In India numerous centres provide the same, however in Bihar & Jharkhand, Paras Cancer Centre Patna is the only hospital to provide exceptional bone marrow transplant Services.
Following is the list of the frequently asked questions that can help you know more about the procedure. The answers have been provided by Dr Avinash Kumar, Consultant Hemato Oncology, Paras Cancer Centre – The 1st Hematologist of Bihar.
Q1. What is bone marrow transplant (BMT)?
A bone marrow transplant is similar to a blood transfusion. The bone marrow cells are sent to the patient intravenously. This procedure helps in replacing the defective or missing bone marrow cells in the suffering cancer patient. This is some kind of a rescue operation that is needed since the marrow cells are depleted due to high doses of radiation or chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells. The reduced bone marrow cells causes loss of immunity in the cancer patient that may lead to more complications.
Q2. From where are the new bone marrow cells obtained?
They can be donated by a healthy person that is related or unrelated to the patient. The most important aspect is that the cells of the patient and the donor have to match. This is ascertained through HLA typing test to check if the antigens are similar. This test is important as it assures that the cells shall be accepted by the patient.
Q3. Why should cancer patients opt for bone marrow transplant (BMT)?
This is an exceptional option that can re boost the sick and dying immune system of the patient. Bone marrow transplant can be highlighted as a life saving choice. It helps in the following:
- In case the patient’s bone marrow system has failed, the bone marrow cells injected from the donor can help in rejuvenating the patients system. This helps in rebuilding a healthy immune system.
- It helps in replacing the defective bone marrow cells in the body that may be formed due to high dose chemotherapy or radiation.
- It replaces any genetic errors that may have existed in the patient.
Bone marrow transplant is the best option for patients suffering from – Leukemia, Lymphoma, Solid tumors such as neuroblastoma and brain tumor, aplastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia.
Q4. Does bone marrow donation hurt?
This is a common myth. The bone marrow cells can be obtained from the blood stream through a specialised technique called as apheresis. Hence the donor just has to donate blood. However incase the bone marrow part has to be donated, the same is through the back of the pelvic bone which is obtained through a syringe. The intensity of pain varies from person to person. Moreover the benefits of the transplant to the cancer patient outweigh the minor pain of the donor.
