People suffering from AML or acute myeloid leukemia can get a better survival rate with a bone marrow transplant procedure. In this process, the damaged and cancerous cells are replaced. The new stem cells are taken from a donor or a cancer patient. Once the patient goes through chemotherapy, the healthy stem cells are transplanted into the body. This treatment gives a survival chance to people who are suffering from AML. There are two types of bone marrow transplant procedures, and they can reduce the chances of cancer returning to the body.
Types of bone marrow transplant
This procedure is done with the stem cells, which are found in the bone marrow. This is the soft center inside the bones where the blood cells get produced. A stem cell transplant process replaces the damaged cells, and it can treat AML.
There are two types of stem cell transplant processes, allogeneic and autologous.
- Allogeneic Process
In this type, the stem cells are taken from a donor. Physicians find a match with the patient’s blood and tissue type and check if the donor’s cells are safe to use. A sibling of yours can be a good match, and if you do not have a family member, then it can be done with an anonymous person’s cells.
- Autologous Process
This Aml bone marrow transplant is done with the cells of the patient. The doctor will extract stem cells from your body and store them for treatment. When it starts, the physician injects the stem cells into your body, after chemotherapy is over.
What you can expect during the process?
The first thing you have to go through is for one to two weeks. In this period, you will receive high radiation or chemotherapy doses. This is to kill the cancer cells in blood cancer bone marrow transplant and make a safe area to place the fresh cells. This may weaken the body and the new cells can attack other parts of the body.
The high-intensity radiation therapy can affect your body. It may have side effects such as breathing problems, mouth sores, vomiting, nausea, and hair loss. Your physician can prescribe medicines for these issues.
On stem cell transplantation day, the doctor will channel a tube to insert the cells into the body. It will be through the chest, and you will stay awake during the procedure, but it won’t hurt.
What to expect after a bone marrow transplant?
After you have gone through the Aml bone marrow transplant process, for some weeks the stem cells will make new cells in the body, and the doctor will monitor the growth.
During this time you may face issues like,
- Infection– this is because your immune system is weak at the time, and it may not be able to fight the infections. But your doctor will prescribe medicines to prevent it.
- Bleeding or bruising– the process damages several platelets in the body, which can make blood clots. So, you may get bruises and bleed easily. But your physician will count the platelet in your body and insert more platelets to prevent bruises.
Conclusion
You can also have breathing problems after the procedure is over. However, the acute myeloid leukemia bone marrow transplant process for AML is still under more research. But many patients have partially recovered from cancer using this treatment. So, before you choose any option, you must consult with your doctor.
Contact Us:
Gift of Life Marrow Registry
Phone: (800) 962-7769
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