A bone marrow transplant (BMT), also called a stem-cell transplant, replaces damaged blood-forming cells with healthy ones.
What is a bone marrow transplant?
It restores healthy stem cells after disease or high-dose treatment has destroyed the marrow. Cells can come from the patient (autologous) or a matched donor (allogeneic).
What happens before?
Workup tests, matching for donor transplants, and a conditioning regimen of chemotherapy — sometimes with radiation — to prepare the body.
What happens during?
Healthy stem cells are infused through a vein, like a transfusion, then travel to the marrow and make new blood cells over weeks.
What is recovery like?
Close monitoring for infection and engraftment, often with a hospital stay, then a gradual return to normal activity over months.
Where is BMT done in Kerala?
Dr. Varun Rajan performs bone marrow transplants at Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi.