How Does a Bone Marrow Transplant Work?
Bone marrow transplant surgery was first performed in 1968, and since then has become a new chance at life for those suffering from diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and immune system disorders. Since 1968, thousands of lives have been saved thanks to bone marrow transplants.
Bone Marrow
Bone marrow is the tissue found in bones such as your hip, breast, skull, spine and ribs. This spongy tissue is an important center for blood cell production. It is the bone marrow that creates both white and red blood cells. White blood cells are one of the most important parts of your immune system, and red blood cells are responsible for helping carry oxygen and other nutrients throughout your body.
Bone Marrow Harvest
Before the bone marrow transplant can begin, healthy bone marrow must be harvested from somewhere else. If the disease has not spread to other parts of the body, a patient may use his own bone marrow from other bones for the transplant. However, in most cases, another donor must be brought in to have part of his bone marrow harvested to be placed in the patient. Although not always the case, in many cases the only viable donors are immediate family members, specifically siblings. Unfortunately, there is only a 35 percent chance that a sibling will have the right type of bone marrow to do a transplant. If the bone marrow is not identical, the body will attack and destroy the transplanted marrow.
