Dr Rahul Bhargava

MBBS, MD, DM (Clinical Haematology)

Principal Director & Chief Hematology at Fortis Hospital

MBBS, MD, DM (Clinical Haematology)

Principal Director & Chief Hematology at Fortis Hospital

Cost of Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant in India

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Cost of Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant in India

Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant (ABMT) is a life-saving procedure used to treat certain types of cancer and blood disorders. This procedure uses a patient’s own bone marrow cells, making it a highly effective treatment for those who qualify. One common question for patients and families is the cost of autologous bone marrow transplant in India, which can vary based on several factors such as hospital, region, and the patient’s overall condition.

In India, the cost of an autologous bone marrow transplant ranges between ₹10,00,000 and ₹25,00,000 ($13,500 to $34,000), depending on the treatment complexity, hospital infrastructure, and location. The affordability of treatment in India, coupled with experienced medical professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, makes it a sought-after destination for such procedures.

Causes of Conditions Requiring Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant

Several factors can lead to diseases treated with autologous bone marrow transplants, such as:

  • Genetic mutations: Inherited genetic changes may predispose a person to certain blood disorders or cancers.
  • Environmental factors: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals or radiation can increase the risk of developing cancers affecting the blood or bone marrow.
  • Age and immune system weaknesses: Older age or a weakened immune system may contribute to diseases requiring a transplant.

The treatment focuses on replenishing the body with healthy bone marrow after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation destroys the cancerous cells.

Diseases Treated with Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant

Autologous bone marrow transplants are primarily used to treat cancers like:

  • Lymphomas (e.g., Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma)
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Leukemias
  • Other blood or bone marrow disorders

Common symptoms in patients who undergo autologous bone marrow transplants often include:

  • Fatigue
  • Frequent infections
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Abnormal bruising or bleeding
  • Fever

If these symptoms persist and are linked to cancers of the blood or bone marrow, your doctor may recommend this procedure.

Risk Factors

While autologous bone marrow transplant offers hope, there are risk factors associated with the procedure:

  • Infection: Patients have weakened immune systems, making them susceptible to infections post-transplant.
  • Organ damage: Chemotherapy or radiation before the transplant may cause damage to organs like the liver, lungs, or heart.
  • Graft failure: Although rare, there is a small chance that the transplanted cells may not grow as expected.
  • Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): This condition occurs if the body’s immune response attacks the transplanted cells. However, this risk is significantly lower in autologous transplants compared to allogeneic transplants.

It is important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider before proceeding with the treatment.

Surgery Procedure

The autologous bone marrow transplant procedure is performed in several key steps:

  1. Stem Cell Collection: The patient’s healthy stem cells are collected from the blood or bone marrow before chemotherapy. This is done via a procedure called apheresis.
  2. Conditioning Treatment: Patients undergo high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy cancer cells and create space for new, healthy cells.
  3. Stem Cell Infusion: After conditioning, the collected stem cells are infused back into the patient’s bloodstream. These cells travel to the bone marrow, where they begin to grow and produce new blood cells.
  4. Recovery and Monitoring: After the transplant, patients are closely monitored to ensure the transplanted cells grow and produce healthy blood cells.

The entire procedure typically takes several weeks, including preparation, the transplant itself, and recovery.

Post-Surgery Care

After an autologous bone marrow transplant, patients need to be vigilant about post-surgery care to ensure a successful recovery. Key aspects of care include:

  • Infection prevention: A weakened immune system can last for several months, so patients must avoid crowded places, maintain good hygiene, and follow a clean diet.
  • Frequent medical checkups: Regular blood tests and doctor visits are necessary to track the recovery of the bone marrow.
  • Diet and nutrition: Proper nutrition helps in faster recovery. Doctors usually recommend a high-protein diet to aid tissue repair and strengthen the immune system.
  • Medications: Patients may need medications to prevent infections or control other symptoms post-transplant.

Complete recovery can take several months to a year, depending on individual health conditions and response to the transplant.

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