Bone Marrow Transplantation in Turkey
What is Bone Marrow Transplantation?
Bone marrow transplantation in Turkey involves a procedure to replace diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. Long bones in the human body contain an internal tissue known as bone marrow, responsible for producing stem cells and all components of blood, underscoring its vital role within the body.
Certain diseases can impair the function of bone marrow, affecting the patient’s overall health. To address this, bone marrow transplantation is performed by transferring stem cells either from the patient (autologous transplant) or from a donor (allogeneic transplant). The procedure resembles a blood transfusion but carries more significant risks and potential complications.
Types of Bone Marrow Transplantation in Turkey
- Autologous Transplant: Stem cells are harvested from the patient and stored for later use.
- Allogeneic Transplant: Stem cells are collected from a donor, who could be a family member, relative, or an unrelated donor with a tissue match.
Medical Indications for Bone Marrow Transplantation
Bone marrow transplantation is recommended for the following conditions:
- Leukemia (Blood Cancer)
- Lymphoma (Lymph Node Cancer)
- Inherited Blood Disorders (e.g., Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia)
- Aplastic Anemia
- Primary Amyloidosis
- Multiple Myeloma
- Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes
- Immunodeficiency Disorders
- Hemoglobinopathies
- Metabolic Disorders Present from Birth
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes
- Neuroblastomas
How is Bone Marrow Transplantation Performed?
- Preparation Stage:
- The patient receives chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy to suppress the immune system, reducing the risk of rejection of the new stem cells.
- Transplantation Process:
- A central venous catheter is placed, and the stem cells are infused similarly to a blood transfusion. The new stem cells then generate healthy cells throughout the body.
Side Effects and Risks
1. Short-Term Effects
- Nausea & vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Allergic reactions
- Temporary hair loss
- Mouth sores & dryness
- Increased risk of infections due to low white blood cell counts
- Immune system attacking the new cells
2. Long-Term Effects
- Dysfunction in vital organs (heart, liver, kidneys, or lungs)
- Fertility issues or infertility
- Cataracts (clouding of the eye lens)
- Anemia
- Potential cancer development due to a condition known as “Graft-versus-host disease” (GVHD), where the transplanted cells attack the recipient’s body, weakening the immune system and increasing susceptibility to infections or cancer.
Why Choose Turkey for Bone Marrow Transplantation?
- Cutting-Edge Medical Facilities:
- Turkey offers advanced medical infrastructure with the latest technologies to ensure high-quality procedures.
- Expert Medical Teams:
- Teams such as Dr. Al-Akkad’s provide specialized care, combining experience with dedication to patient well-being.
- Cost-Effective Treatment:
- Compared to Western countries, Turkey provides top-tier medical services at competitive prices.
- Comprehensive Patient Care:
- Hospitals in Turkey ensure a supportive environment for recovery, minimizing stress and promoting healing.
The Procedure of Bone Marrow Transplantation
- Evaluation and Preparation:
- Comprehensive tests assess the patient’s eligibility. The procedure type (autologous or allogeneic) is determined based on the patient’s condition.
- Collection of Stem Cells:
- For autologous transplants, the patient’s cells are collected and stored. For allogeneic transplants, cells are harvested from a matching donor.
- Transplantation and Recovery:
- The stem cells are infused through a catheter, and the recovery process begins, monitored closely to manage complications.
Conclusion
Turkey, with its cutting-edge technology, skilled medical teams, and cost-effective treatment options, stands out as a leading destination for bone marrow transplantation. Under the care of professionals like Dr. Al-Akkad’s team, patients receive world-class care tailored to their needs.