What Is Leukemia Marrow Transplant

Leukemia is a form of cancer that starts in the stem cells of the blood. Stem cells are extremely important because they are the basic cells from which other different types of cells are developed. Different types of blood cells have different functions and therefore the role of stems cells is vital and critical for normal body health and functions. When a person is impacted by leukemia, his or her body is unable to produce normal stem cells. Instead, the body starts producing blood stem cells which are abnormal in shape and size. They start attacking the normal cells and therefore it leads to chronic anemia and other associated problems. In other words, there is a bigger concentration of blast cells. These are considered to be immature blood cells. These blast cells are referred to as leukemia cells once the diagnosis is complete. Amongst the many treatments available, acute Myeloid leukemia bone marrow transplant is considered to be one of the most common methods of fighting this form of cancer.

Types Of Leukemia

There are 4 different types of leukemia and they are –

–    ALL or acute lymphocytic leukemia

–    AML or acute myelogenous leukemia

–    CLL or chronic lymphocytic leukemia &

–    CML or chronic myelogenous leukemia.

As far as adults are concerned, CLL and AML are considered to be the most common forms of leukemia. There are quite a few methods of treatments and according to experts, bone marrow transplantation is one of the best options. Let us therefore try and find out the reasons as to why bone marrow transplant is considered to be one of the best options.

Bone Marrow Produces Stem Cells

Bone marrow is one of the most important places in the body where stem cell transplant are produced. Hence, when a person is suffering from leukemia, his or her bone marrow does not produce healthy blood cells. Therefore the only option is to replace the bone marrow. This is like a spongy tissue inside the bone hollow and this is where stem cells are produced. When you go in for a bone marrow transplant, the sick stem cells are replaced gradually with healthy ones. Over a period of time, these transplanted healthy bone marrow stem cells start producing the right kind of blood cells which is needed by the body.

It Takes Time

However, the results start manifesting only after a certain period of time. The new stem cells have to start producing enough healthy cells and this process has its own gestation period. Further, there is always the risk of the stem cells transplantation being rejected by the body due to a number of reasons.

Is It Painful

This is another common question which comes to our mind. The answer is no. With modern technologies in place, the process of bone marrow transplant is not painful and in fact, it can be completed within a short period of time. The process is done mostly in the lower end of the spinal cord and other such places under the careful supervision of experts.

The Final Word

In fine, there is no doubt that while bone marrow transplant is one of the most essential methods of treating leukemia, it has to be supplemented by other treatments also.

Contact US:

Gift of Life Marrow Registry

Address:
800 Yamato Rd suite 101
Boca Raton,
FL
Phone: (800) 962-7769