HSCT (hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) and BMT (bone marrow transplant) are often used interchangeably, but there are key distinctions between these procedures. The essence of both procedures is healthy stem cell transplantation for damaged or diseased bone marrow; however, transplantation may be carried out from several different sources. In this blog, we learn more about the similarities and differences between HSCT and BMT.

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are atypical cells that have a unique capability for self-renewal as well as divergent potential. That is, they can transform themselves into different types of blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These stem cells are indispensable for restoring blood-forming capacity in the body when used in transplantation therapy.

What is Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)?

HSCT is a more global term that encompasses the entire spectrum of stem cell transplants used for the treatment of different blood disorders, as well as cancers. The word 'hematopoietic' comes from the stem word, which signifies the process of blood cell formation. In HSCT, stem cells can be derived from different sources, including:

• Bone marrow: This is the traditional source of stem cells, extracted from the pelvic bone through a needle aspiration procedure.
• Peripheral blood: Stem cells can also be collected from the bloodstream after the patient receives medications that stimulate their release from the bone marrow.
• Umbilical cord blood: Stem cells can be obtained from the umbilical cord and placenta of a newborn baby.

What is Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)?

Bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a specialized treatment for patients with specific malignancies or other diseases. A bone marrow transplant involves removing the stem cells that generally reside inside bone marrow, processing those cells, and substituting these for the donor (patient) or another recipient. While a specific approach towards stem-cell transplantation, the BMT is an ancestor of HSCT, or a broader definition altogether, due to technological advancements offering other options in harvesting stem cells as well.

Key Differences Between HSCT and BMT

The key differences between Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and Bone marrow transplant are:

• Source of stem cells: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) includes bone marrow, peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood. Bone marrow transplant (BMT) includes Bone marrow only.
• Procedure: HSCT can involve different collection methods depending on the source of stem cells. BMT involves needle aspiration of bone marrow from the pelvic bone
• Recovery time: Bone marrow transplant generally takes longer than peripheral blood stem cell transplants but Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation Can vary depending on the source of stem cells and the patient's overall health

Similarity: The Transplantation Process

Both HSCT and BMT follow a similar general procedure:

• Conditioning: The patient undergoes chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to destroy their diseased bone marrow and prepare it for the transplant.
• Transplantation: Healthy stem cells are infused into the patient's bloodstream through an IV.
• Engraftment: The transplanted stem cells travel to the bone marrow and begin to produce new blood cells.
• Recovery: The patient's body gradually recovers its blood-forming capacity, and they undergo regular monitoring to ensure successful engraftment and manage potential side effects.

Benefits of HSCT and BMT

HSCT and BMT offer significant benefits for patients with various blood disorders and cancers, including:

• Cure for certain diseases: In some cases, HSCT can provide a cure for conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and aplastic anemia.
• Treatment for other diseases: HSCT can also be used to treat other blood disorders, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders.
• Improved quality of life: HSCT can help improve the quality of life for patients by reducing symptoms and complications associated with their underlying condition.

Risks and Side Effects

HSCT and BMT are complex procedures with potential risks and side effects, including:

• Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): This occurs when the transplanted immune cells attack the recipient's tissues.
• Infection: The patient's immune system is weakened after transplantation, increasing the risk of infection.
• Organ toxicity: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage organs like the lungs, kidneys, and heart.
• Other complications: Other potential complications include bleeding, blood clots, and delayed engraftment.

The healthcare team does an assessment and decides what would be best in terms of treatment, and then factors such as diagnosis, the health status of the patient, and donor availability determine whether hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) or bone marrow transplant (BMT) will be advised.

Conclusion

Transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells and bone marrow brings hope to patients suffering from blood disorders and cancers. The distinctions are important. These patients should work with their medical teams to make informed decisions and face the process of transplantation with certainty.

For more information visit the official site:: https://www.edhacare.com/treatments/organ-transplant/bone-marrow