Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The main risks include infection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and organ damage. Dr. Bhargava and his team manage these risks with vigilant post-transplant care and medications.
Initial recovery can take a few weeks, but full recovery of the immune system may take up to a year. Follow-up care is essential to monitor for complications.
Yes, India welcomes international patients for advanced medical procedures, and Dr. Bhargava’s team assists with medical visas, accommodations, and post-treatment follow-ups.
Donors are usually matched through HLA typing. Family members, such as siblings, are often the best match, but unrelated donors may also be found through global donor registries.
Introduction to Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
An allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) is a life-saving treatment where stem cells from a healthy donor are used to replace damaged or diseased bone marrow in patients. This procedure is often recommended for patients with blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and other bone marrow disorders like aplastic anemia. With vast experience, Dr. Rahul Bhargava, a renowned hematologist and bone marrow transplant specialist, offers state-of-the-art allogeneic transplants in India.
What is an Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant?
An allogeneic transplant involves transferring stem cells from a healthy donor—usually a close relative or a matched unrelated donor—into the patient. These healthy cells help produce new, healthy blood cells to replace the diseased ones.
Diseases Treated with Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is recommended for:
- Leukemia (Acute and Chronic forms)
- Lymphoma
- Aplastic Anemia
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
- Multiple Myeloma
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Thalassemia
Causes of Blood and Bone Marrow Diseases:
- Genetic Mutations: Conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are inherited.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to radiation, toxic chemicals, or previous chemotherapy can lead to conditions like leukemia.
- Autoimmune Disorders: In some cases, autoimmune diseases can affect the bone marrow.
Types of Conditions:
- Leukemia: A cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.
- Lymphoma: A type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system.
- Aplastic Anemia: A rare disease where the body stops producing enough new blood cells.
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia: Genetic disorders that cause abnormal or deficient production of hemoglobin in the blood.
Symptoms of Bone Marrow Disorders
Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying condition, but common signs include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bone or joint pain
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in managing these conditions effectively.
Diagnosis
Dr. Rahul Bhargava performs a thorough diagnostic evaluation before recommending an allogeneic stem cell transplant. The diagnostic process includes:
- Blood Tests: To check for abnormal blood counts and the presence of disease.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: A sample of bone marrow is extracted and examined under a microscope.
- Genetic Testing: Identifies specific mutations related to the condition.
- Imaging Tests: CT or MRI scans may be used to assess the extent of disease.
Treatment: The Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Procedure
The treatment process for an allogeneic stem cell transplant can be divided into several steps:
1. Pre-Transplant Evaluation
- Patient Conditioning: The patient undergoes chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy diseased cells and prepare the body for the new stem cells.
2. Stem Cell Harvesting
- Donor Matching: A suitable donor is identified. Ideally, the donor should be a close match to the patient’s HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) type.
3. Transplantation Day (Day 0)
- The collected stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream through an IV, similar to a blood transfusion. Over time, these cells travel to the bone marrow and start producing new blood cells.
4. Post-Transplant Care
- Immune Suppression: Patients may need medications to prevent their body from rejecting the new stem cells.
- Follow-up Care: Regular monitoring and follow-ups with Dr. Rahul Bhargava are necessary to track progress and ensure the patient’s immune system is rebuilding properly.
Cost of Treatment and Stay in India
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