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Bone Marrow Transplantation
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Transplantation Donation

Bone Marrow Transplantation

Bone marrow transplantation replaces faulty stem cells with healthy ones to treat serious blood and immune system diseases.

Overview

Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found inside bones, such as the hip and thigh. It contains immature cells known as stem cells, which develop into:

  • Red blood cells: Carry oxygen throughout the body.
  • White blood cells: Fight infections.
  • Platelets: Help the blood to clot.

Conditions Treated

Doctors use bone marrow transplants to replace faulty stem cells in patients with conditions including:

  • Leukemia
  • Severe blood diseases (e.g., thalassemias, aplastic anemia, and sickle cell anemia)
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Certain immune deficiency diseases

The Transplant Process

Before the procedure, patients receive high doses of chemotherapy and potentially radiation. This serves two purposes: it destroys the faulty stem cells and suppresses the immune system to prevent it from attacking the new cells.

Sources of Stem Cells

Stem cells may be obtained from:

  • Self-donation: A patient’s own stem cells are collected in advance and saved for later use.
  • Donor: Cells are provided by a family member or an unrelated person.

Risks

While bone marrow transplantation carries serious, potentially life-threatening risks, it remains the best hope for a cure or an extended life for many patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

The timeline for blood count recovery varies depending on the type of transplant and the patient's overall health. Platelets usually recover first, often within two to four weeks, which reduces the risk of bleeding. Neutrophils, a type of white blood cell critical for fighting infection, typically recover within two to six weeks. Red blood cell counts may take several months to normalize. During this period, patients are at high risk for infections and bleeding and require close monitoring and supportive care such as transfusions.
Generally, patients cannot collect their own stem cells while they have active, uncontrolled cancer because the collected cells might contain malignant cells. However, if the cancer is in remission or the disease is stable, doctors may proceed with collection after careful evaluation. For conditions like multiple myeloma or certain leukemias, the timing of collection is critical and must be coordinated with the oncology team to ensure the harvested cells are free of disease.
During the period when white blood cell counts are low (neutropenia), patients are highly susceptible to infections from foodborne pathogens. Doctors typically recommend a "low-microbial" or "neutropenic" diet, which involves avoiding raw or undercooked foods such as sushi, rare steaks, and unpasteurized dairy products. Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed, and peeling is often recommended. Patients should avoid deli meats, soft cheeses, and raw shellfish, and should ensure all food is cooked to safe internal temperatures to minimize infection risk.
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs when donor immune cells attack the recipient's tissues. Early signs often appear within the first few weeks to months post-transplant and include a persistent, itchy rash that may start on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, severe diarrhea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) indicating liver involvement. Patients should report any new skin changes, unexplained weight loss, or gastrointestinal distress to their care team immediately, as early treatment significantly improves outcomes.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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