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 used to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. Bone marrow, the soft, spongy tissue inside your bones, is responsible for producing stem cells that develop into:
- Red blood cells (carry oxygen)
- White blood cells (fight infections)
- Platelets (prevent bleeding)
When conditions like multiple myeloma or aggressive lymphoma disrupt normal stem cell production and may even trigger metabolic imbalances, a BMT can help restore the body’s ability to function. It works like a “factory reset” for your blood and immune system, replacing damaged cells with healthy ones. At Artemis Hospital, each transplant is carefully tailored to the patient’s condition, ensuring a personalised approach and the best possible outcomes.
Types of Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT)
- Autologous bone marrow transplant: Your healthy stem cells are extracted, preserved, and reintroduced following high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Best for: lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or solid tumors.
- Pros: No requirement for a donor, and the chance of rejection is low.
- Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation: Stem cells from a matched donor (sibling, unrelated donor, or registry) replace your bone marrow.
- 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:
- Immunodeficient and other metabolic disorders in children
- Pediatric solid organ tumors (Neuroblastoma, Ewing Sarcoma, Medulloblastoma)
If chemotherapy, radiation, or medications haven’t worked, a BMT could be your path to recovery.
Unsure about your bone marrow transplant eligibility or treatment plan?
Get a trusted second opinion from our BMt Experts
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.
- Stem cells are mobilised into blood using small doses of white cell booster
- Followed by apheresis (drawing blood by IV, separating cells, and returning the remainder).
- Donors usually return to normal activities within 1-2 days; there is clearly no surgery; no significant complications are noted in donors.
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 an hour; 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 another 12-18 days post transplant until your immune system strengthens.
At Artemis, our BMT units are equipped with HEPA filters and 24/7 specialist care to keep you safe. Get advanced Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) treatment in Gurgaon for improved recovery, enhanced outcomes, and expert care in hematology.
Risks & Complications of Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)
While BMT saves lives, there are some potential risks:
- Low immunity makes you more vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, and even fungal infections.
- Graft v/s host disease (GVHD) occurs when donor cells assault your body (frequently in allogeneic transplants).
- Chemotherapy can cause minor risks related to organ dysfunction.
- Graft failure occurs when new cells do not engraft or produce blood cells adequately.
How Artemis Reduces Risk?
- Advanced HLA matching and finding the best possible match in family or unrelated donors through high-resolution molecular typing and global donor registries.
- 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 practices barrier nursing 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.
Looking for life-saving treatment for blood disorders or cancers?Explore advanced bone marrow transplant options with experienced specialists in Gurgaon.
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