Bone marrow transplant
A bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure that replaces your bone marrow with healthy cells. Bone marrow is a spongy substance that is located in the middle of the bones. The two forms of bone marrow are red bone marrow, also known as myeloid tissue, and yellow bone marrow, also known as fatty tissue.
Blood stem cells are found in the red bone marrow and are important for the production of new white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Yellow bone marrow is largely made up of fat and contains stem cells that generate fat, cartilage, or bone cells. This transplantation is also known as the hematopoietic stem cell transplant or a stem cell transplant.
Replacement cells can come from either the own body of the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic). An individual may require a bone marrow transplant if their bone marrow becomes non-functional or does not function adequately and is not able to produce enough healthy blood cells.
Bone marrow transplantation can be used to treat cancer that affect the bone marrow, such as myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma. It is also done to treat other types of blood and immune system illnesses.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost for Bone Marrow Transplantation in India | USD 20,000 to USD 63,000 (Depends on transplant) |
| Discount | 10% on the above quoted price (final hospital’s bill) ONLY APPLICABLE ONLY FOR MyMedTrip.com patients Click here for exceptions and terms. |
| Number of days at hospital (Estimated) | Approximately 3 weeks (autologous transplant) 4 weeks (allogeneic transplant) |
| Number of days in India outside hospital (Estimated) | 90- 100 days |
| Treatment’s Success Rate | 60-90% |
| Tests required to help assess the treatment | blood tests, PET scan, heart tests, a chest X-ray, and a bone marrow biopsy. |
What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?
This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.
India, A Preferred Destination For Bone Marrow Transplant
The surgeons and doctors in India have years of experience treating life-threatening disorders, thanks to the ever-advancing area of medicine and research technology. The technology and infrastructure of India’s best hospitals are comparable to those found in their western counterparts.
Patients coming from abroad can be assured of holistic care and quality of treatment by the trained staff of the hospitals. The majority of bone marrow transplant hospitals in India are well-equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge medical technology.
These clinics have highly skilled and experienced surgeons that deliver the finest level of treatment and healthcare to their patients. Most of the hospitals that conduct bone marrow transplants are NABH, NABL & JCI, etc. accredited.
The bone marrow transplant cost in India is far lower than in the United States, Thailand, or any European country. When compared to their western equivalents, the cost of the stay, amenities, consultation, and everything else will be far lower.
International medical tourists might benefit from enticing packages offered by India’s leading medical centers. All of the services and amenities that a single patient could require or expect while in India are included in these packages.
Patients from all over the world flock to India for transplantation because of the great patient care from start to finish, excellent infrastructure, hospital facilities, and other aspects.
Indian Medical Visa Process (India e-Medical Visa)
By default, the Indian government allows a medical visa to be valid for 60 days. However, India’s new visa policy allows the paper-based medical visa to be extended for up to 180 days.
Individuals can obtain an Indian Medical Visa by filling out an Indian Visa Application Form online. This procedure will only take a couple of minutes. Then you have to make the payment through PayPal and provide the appropriate documents for treatment, such as a letter from a hospital. This process takes 72 hours to complete, and an accepted Visa is emailed to the concerned person.
Nationals of e-Visa India-eligible countries who require a Medical Visa may apply online using the online e-Visa India application form at https://www.indiavisa-online.org. A letter from the hospital in India where they intend to receive treatment is required.
The individual may also be requested to show proof that they have enough money to cover their medical expenses in India. They may also be asked to produce a return travel ticket to their native country once the medical treatment is completed. These papers can be faxed or emailed to the Help Desk, or they can be submitted to the website later.
One of the benefits of the Indian Medical Visa is that, unlike the 30-day Tourist Visa, which is only valid for two entries, it enables three entries into India during its 60-day duration.
The following conditions and requirements of the e-Visa for medical treatment must be understood and remembered as pointers:
- The Indian e-Medical Visa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India.
- The e-Medical India Visa allows you to visit India three times.
- Individuals can apply for a Medical Visa up to three times per year.
- It is not possible to extend the electronic Medical Visa.
- This visa is not convertible and cannot be changed to a tourist or business visa.
- It can’t be used to enter protected or restricted sites.
- Patients must show proof of financial support for their stay in India.
- During your trip to the airport, the patient must have a PDF or paper copy with you.
- On the e-Medical India Visa, patients can request a return ticket.
- There is no such thing as a group medical visa for India; each applicant must apply independently.
- On the day of arrival in India, the passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Individuals must have two blank pages in their passports so that immigration and border control personnel can stamp their passports at the airport for entry and exit.
- A regular passport is required to be presented. Indian Medical Visas cannot be obtained using diplomatic, service, official or refugee passports.
- Individuals must apply for a paper or conventional India Medical Visa rather than an electronic Medical Visa on the Govt. website if the treatment will continue longer than 180 days.
The website allows a person to apply online, and it will take you 3 to 5 minutes to finish the application. It is highly recommended that an individual applies for a Medical Visa in India online rather than visiting an Indian Embassy or High Commission.
Bone Marrow Transplantation Procedure
A bone marrow transplant is used to treat a variety of cancers and illnesses. It is done when high doses of radiation or chemotherapy are used to cure a malignancy and permanently damage or destroy a person’s bone marrow stem cells. If the bone marrow has been destroyed by disease, bone marrow transplants may be required.
Depending on who the donor is, there are various sorts of bone marrow transplants. The following are the several types of transplant:
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Autologous bone marrow transplant:
The term auto means one’s own self. An autologous transplant is one that employs stem cells from the patient’s own body. High-dose, radiation therapy or intense chemotherapy are used to treat cancer. The immune system and stem cells may be harmed as a result of this treatment.
This is why doctors remove or save the stem cells from the blood or bone marrow before commencing cancer treatment.
After chemotherapy, the stem cells are restored to the patient’s body. This helps in restoring the immune system as well as the ability to generate blood cells and fight infection. This treatment is also known as autologous bone marrow transplantation or stem cell rescue.
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Allogeneic bone marrow transplant:
The word allo signifies others. Another individual, referred to as a donor, is used to harvest stem cells. In most circumstances, the donor’s DNA must at least partially match the patient. Special tests are used to assess if a donor is a good match for the patient.
A brother or sister is most likely to be a good match. Parents, other relatives and children might make a suitable match on occasion.
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Umbilical cord blood transplant
Stem cells are extracted from an infant’s umbilical cord shortly after birth. These stem cells mature into working blood cells faster and more effectively than stem cells extracted from another child’s or adult’s bone marrow. The stem cells are examined, typed, numbered, and frozen until a transplant is required.
Preoperative Procedure For Bone Marrow Transplant
The patient will go through a variety of tests and procedures to check the overall health and condition. The doctor will also make sure that the patient is physically ready for the transplant. It is possible that the evaluation will take several days or longer.
A radiologist or surgeon will also place an intravenous catheter into a big vein in the neck or chest. The catheter, also known as a central line, is normally left in place throughout the therapy. The central line will be used by the transplant team to inject the stem cells, and blood products into the body. Transplanting bone marrow can take up to a week.
The immune system will be weakened throughout therapy, limiting the ability to fight infections. As a result, the patient will be admitted to a portion of the hospital dedicated to those undergoing bone marrow transplants. Due to this, the patient will be less likely to come into contact with anything that could infect them.
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Stem cell collection for autologous transplant
If an autologous transplant (using the patient’s own stem cells) is planned, blood stem cells will be collected by a procedure called apheresis.
The patient will have daily growth factor injections before apheresis to boost stem cell production. After that, the stem cells will be transferred into the circulating bloodstream so they can be harvested.
Blood is taken from a vein and circulated via a machine during apheresis. The patient’s blood is separated into several components, including stem cells, by the machine. These stem cells are harvested and frozen in preparation for transplantation. The rest of the blood is returned to the body.
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Stem cell collection for allogeneic transplant
The patient will need a donor if they are undergoing an allogeneic transplant, which uses stem cells from a donor. Once a donor has been identified, stem cells from that person are collected for the transplant.
The donor’s bone marrow or blood can provide stem cells. Based on the circumstances, the transplant team will determine which option is best for the patient.
Another type of allogeneic transplant involves stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood or cord blood transplant. After their babies are born, mothers can choose to donate their newborns’ umbilical cords. The blood from these cords is frozen and kept in a cord blood bank in case a bone marrow transplant is required.
During The Bone Marrow Transplant Procedure
After the patient has finished the pre-transplant exams and procedures, they will begin conditioning. They will be given chemotherapy and maybe radiation during conditioning for the following reasons.
- To kill the cancer cells, if the patient is being treated for cancer,
- To suppress the immune system
- For ensuring that the bone marrow is ready to receive the new stem cells.
The type of conditioning the patient receives is determined by the patient’s disease, the type of transplant they are planning, and overall health. As part of the conditioning treatment, the patient may receive both chemotherapy and radiation, or simply one of these treatments.
Certain side effects of the conditioning process are diarrhea, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores or ulcers, etc. The doctor will prescribe medications to reduce the side effects.
The doctor may recommend lesser doses or alternative types of chemotherapy or radiation for the conditioning treatment. This is dependent on the patient’s
age and medical history. This is known as reduced-intensity conditioning.
The reduced-intensity conditioning can destroy cancer cells while also suppressing the immune system. The cells from the donor are then put into the body. Over time, donor cells replace cells in the patient’s bone marrow. Donor cells’ immune factors may then fight the cancer cells.
After the patient finishes the conditioning, they will get their bone marrow transplant. Stem cells are administered into the patient’s body through the central line on the day of the transplant.
The injection of the allograft is painless. During the process, the patient remains awake. When new stem cells enter the body, they move to the patient’s bone marrow via the bloodstream. They multiply over time and begin to produce new, healthy blood cells.
This is referred to as engraftment. The process usually takes between 10 and 28 days to complete following the initial transplant. An increasing white blood cell count is the first indicator of engraftment. This indicates that the transplant is producing new blood cells.
The number of blood cells in the body will return to normal after a few weeks. It may take longer depending on the individual’s health and disease progression. The usual high rate of bone marrow transplant success rate suggest that most cases are a success. However, it also depends upon the type of transplant that the patient has been suggested and the overall health of the patient.
Post-operative Procedure For Bone Marrow Transplant
The doctors will have blood tests and other tests to check the status in the days and weeks following the bone marrow transplant. Complications such as diarrhea and nausea may be treated using medication.
Following the bone marrow transplant, the patient will be under constant medical supervision. The patient may need to stay in the hospital for 3 weeks if they are having an autologous stem cell transplant and 4 weeks if they are having an allogeneic stem cell transplant. The stay can also be longer depending upon the condition of the patient.
The patient is generally advised to stay near the hospital for several weeks to months after the transplant, depending on the type of transplant and the risk of complications. Ideally, international patients are advised to stay for up to 3 months in India after the transplantation.
The patient may also require red blood cell and platelet transfusions until the bone marrow produces enough of those cells on its own. For about 3 months to 1 year following the transplant, the patient may be more susceptible to infections or other problems. The doctor will suggest regular follow-up sessions to monitor any related issues.
A bone marrow transplant recovery time is usually three months. It may, however, take up to a year for the patient to fully recover. A bone marrow transplant comes with a lot of associated risks but, transplant benefits outnumber the risks. Some transplant benefits are new stem cells are provided that can destroy the cancer cells directly, new stem cells are used to replace diseased or damaged marrow, etc.
Tips And Advice
After a bone marrow transplant, the patient may need to change their diet to keep healthy and avoid excessive weight gain. The nutritionist and other members of the transplant team will develop a healthy food plan that fits into the lifestyle of the patient.
The doctors will prescribe drugs to help avoid graft-versus-host disease and minimize the immune system’s reactivity if the bone marrow transplant uses stem cells from a donor.
It takes time for the immune system to recover after a transplant. Medications to prevent infections may be prescribed during this period.
After the transplant, the recovery will be gradual. The patient may feel weary and weak, have a lower appetite, and notice changes in the smell and taste of items. It will take time to regain strength and return to activities.
Since the immune system will take 3 to 12 months to heal after a transplant, it is important to take care of one’s own self. The first year after a transplant, the patient is at increased risk of infection so take extra care of hygiene, food, and prescribed medication.
Do not miss the follow-ups with the doctor as this will help them to monitor the progress of the patient and also check upon the recovery.
How Can MyMedTrip.com Help You?
It is natural to be overwhelmed and concerned while traveling to a new place for medical treatment. Throughout the journey, we shall assist the patient and their attendant, and provide a manager for help throughout the whole medical trip. We will also assist in overcoming linguistic barriers.
Should you decide on traveling to India for medical assistance, you may email us at hi@mymedtrip.com or WhatsApp at +91 9818237391. The first consultation arranged by us would be free of cost! Additionally, we also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India.
For any further assistance/queries or questions related to bone marrow transplant surgery as well as services in India, do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address. We shall be glad to assist you and help you get well soon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bone marrow transplant
What is the severity of a bone marrow transplant?
As a result of the transplant, some patients experience life-threatening complications. Serious infections and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this, the transplanted cells attack the patient’s body, .But the doctors prescribe medication to suppress the side effects.
Is a bone marrow transplant painful?
This is a non-painful technique that is performed while the patient is awake. It takes around 3 hours, and if enough cells are not eliminated the first time, it may need to be done the next day.
What is the difference between stem cell transplant and bone marrow transplant?
In a stem cell transplant, stem cells are removed from the patient’s blood and used. In a bone marrow transplant, the donor’s bone marrow is extracted and put into the patient who has had high-dose therapy.
How long is the recovery time of bone transplantation?
The first three months are essential for the patients’ rehabilitation. The patient would need to stay in India for roughly 2-3 months for the bone marrow transplant surgery and complete recovery. After that, they will be able to go back to their home country.
Is a bone marrow transplant a complicated procedure?
A bone marrow transplant is comparable to a blood transfusion in that it does not require extensive surgery. Bone marrow cells are taken from a donor’s bloodstream using a needle put into a bone, usually the pelvic bone, in a bone marrow transplant.
Is it true that donating bone marrow shortens one’s life?
The own body or immune system will not be weakened by the amount of marrow donated. A quart of marrow and blood is donated on average, with less if the patient is an infant or youngster.
How long will I stay in the hospital after bone marrow transplant?
In an autologous stem cell transplant, the patient will be in the hospital for about 3 weeks, and in an allogeneic stem cell transplant, the patient will be in the hospital for about 4 weeks.
Does bone marrow regenerate?
Bone marrow replaces itself in four to six weeks after donation. A person must be between the ages of 18 and 60 and in excellent health to donate bone marrow.
Does a patient lose hair due to bone marrow transplant?
Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant can all cause hair loss as side effects.
Is there a limit to how many times I can donate bone marrow?
A patient can technically donate multiple times in their life because the marrow and blood stem cells renew entirely. Although, it’s unusual to be a match for multiple folks.
