A bone marrow transplant (BMT), also known as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), is a medical procedure that replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. These stem cells can be sourced from the patient (autologous transplant) or a donor (allogeneic transplant) .MedlinePlusVerywell Health+1Mayo Clinic+1
Types of Bone Marrow Transplants:
Autologous Transplant: Involves collecting and storing the patient’s own healthy stem cells before administering high-dose chemotherapy or radiation. After treatment, the stored stem cells are infused back into the patient to restore bone marrow function .Cleveland Clinic
Allogeneic Transplant: Involves transferring stem cells from a genetically matched donor to the patient. This type is often used to treat conditions where the patient’s bone marrow is diseased or defective .Home
Procedure Overview:
Pre-Transplant Evaluation: Comprehensive medical assessments are conducted to determine the patient’s suitability for the transplant.
Conditioning Regimen: High-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy is administered to destroy diseased cells and suppress the immune system to prevent rejection of the transplanted cells .UpToDate+1metrohospitals.com+1
Stem Cell Infusion: The collected stem cells are infused into the patient’s bloodstream through a central venous catheter. The procedure is similar to a blood transfusion .Cleveland Clinic+4Mount Sinai Health System+4metrohospitals.com+4
Engraftment and Recovery: The infused stem cells migrate to the bone marrow, where they begin producing new blood cells. This process, known as engraftment, typically occurs within a few weeks. Patients are closely monitored for complications such as infections or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) .
A bone marrow transplant is not just a procedure—it’s the gift of new life, hope, and healing.
In 2016, Captain David Whitson was diagnosed with leukemia and required a bone marrow transplant. Alexandria Reimold, who had registered as a donor at 18, was a match and donated her bone marrow, saving his life. Eight years later, on December 14, 2024, a chance encounter occurred when Whitson, now a pilot, discovered Reimold was on his flight. Reimold, emotionally drained after visiting her mother in the hospital, was on her way home and heard Whitson’s announcement recognizing her contribution. The heartfelt reunion was captured by a fellow passenger and went viral on TikTok with over 600,000 views. Both Whitson and Reimold hope their story will inspire others to consider becoming bone marrow donors, highlighting the life-saving impact of such acts .People.com
Bone marrow transplantation is a complex but potentially life-saving procedure for patients with certain cancers and blood disorders. Advancements in medical technology and donor matching have significantly improved outcomes, offering hope to many individuals worldwide.
