Bone Marrow Transplant: Hematological Restoration

Bone Marrow Transplant (Adult and Pediatric)

Bone marrow transplantation, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, is a process in which malfunctioning, deficient, or malignant bone marrow is eliminated using high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, followed by the intravenous infusion of bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cells from either a donor or the patient themselves, to restore the hematological and immunological function of the blood.

The patient is hospitalized and undergoes high-intensity chemotherapy to eradicate the diseased cells.

During hospitalization, the patient stays in a special, individual unit equipped with special filters to prevent infectious agents.

When ready, the stored and previously collected stem cells are administered to the patient (depending on the type of transplant being performed).

TYPES OF TRANSPLANTS

Autologous: The patient receives their own hematopoietic stem cells, obtained from either bone marrow or peripheral blood. This is done to restore bone marrow function after intense chemotherapy aimed at destroying existing tumor cells.
Allogeneic: The stem cells come from another person, called a donor. These cells are compatible with the patient's and come from the donor's bone marrow or peripheral blood.

- Related donor when a family member is the donor.

- Unrelated donor when cells come from umbilical cord blood or cell banks.

Basic care

Basic Care for Transplanted Patients:

Replacing organs is a procedure that requires attention and care during and after surgery; therefore, specialized medical supervision is necessary.

Use of Immunosuppressants: These medications prevent the new organ from being rejected by the patient's body. It is important that they are administered at the specified time, in the specified amount, and as prescribed by the specialist (they should not be discontinued for any reason).

Care of the Surgical Wound: The incision should be washed only with water and soap. Avoid the use of creams and gauze. Inform the transplant team if you experience redness, heat, pain, or any discharge from the wound.

Food Preparation: Preferably, food should be prepared at home with good hygiene practices to avoid vomiting or diarrhea in the patient. It is necessary to check the expiration dates of products and refrain from consuming food prepared on the street or unwashed fruits.

Outdoor Protection: During the first two or three months post-transplant, the patient should use a high-flow mask (N95) outdoors and avoid crowded spaces. Additionally, sunscreen should be applied daily to protect the skin from direct sun exposure.

Physical Activity: Walking is the only recommended physical activity for the patient.

You can find more information here.

Our professionals at Bone Marrow Transplant (Adult and Pediatric)

ADULTS

Luis Eduardo Buitrago Naranjo

M.D. Internist specialized in Hematology

Laura María Díaz Correa

M.D. Internist specialized in Hematology

Kenny Mauricio Gálvez Cárdenas

M.D. Internist specialized in Hematology

Leonardo Mejía Buriticáo

M.D. Internist specialized in Hematology

Huxlhey Braulio Cabrera García

M.D. Internist specialized in Hematology

Cristina Ruiz Garcés

M.D. General Support

PEDIATRIC

Andrés Escobar

M.D. Pediatric Hematology Subspecialist

Luz Natalia Builes

M.D. Pediatric Hematology Subspecialist

Natalia Valencia

M.D. Pediatric Oncology Subspecialist

Lina María Quiroz

M.D. Pediatric Oncology Subspecialist

Alexandra Restrepo

M.D. Pediatric Oncology Subspecialist

Federico Arroyave Ossa

M.D. Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Subspecialist