Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy - CMN Hospital

What Is Bone Marrow?

Bone marrow is a soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of some of the bones in the body, such as the hips and thighs. Bone marrow is where blood cells are made and contains two types of stem cells:

  • Blood stem cells
  • Stromal stem cells

Blood stem cells, which are also known as haematopoietic stem cells, can differentiate into all blood cell types, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, whereas stromal stem cells can differentiate into fat, cartilage, and bone cells.

For the body to heal, stem cells are essential. Blood stem cells create the three types of blood cells we need—red, white, and platelets—and you must have enough of each type in your blood for these blood cells to do their jobs. Certain situations can result in not having enough of a certain type of blood cell; this is a common problem that cancer patients face, especially when undergoing traditional treatments.

Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy (BMT)

Bone marrow stem cell therapy (BMT) is a procedure that restores stem cells that have been destroyed by cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. It also increases the number of healthy cells, thus increasing the body’s ability to fight foreign cells (such as cancer cells) on its own. This treatment combines two of the body’s strongest natural healers—bone marrow and stem cells—to boost the body’s healthy properties, which, in turn, helps to fight cancer.

What is Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy?

Autologous bone marrow stem cell therapy is a safe treatment option, performed under mild sedation to ensure patient comfort, typically lasting about 15-20 minutes. During this process, stem cells are extracted from the patient's own bone marrow, then purified and enhanced before being reintroduced into the body via IV. This treatment holds great promise of regenerating healthy tissue, strengthening the immune system, and effectively targeting cancer cells. The use of the patient's own cells eliminates the risks of mismatch or adverse reactions, offering a tailored approach to healing that is uniquely designed to meet the individual's specific health needs.

Biocompatibility

Because the stem cells come from your body, there is no risk of rejection or adverse immune responses. This is a significant advantage over donor-derived stem cell transplants, which require a compatible donor. “Dr. Payan does not use the BMT for blood cancers such as Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma, which are some of the most common types of blood cancer.”

Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy Safety

Undergoing a bone marrow aspiration is a safe procedure. It's common to experience some soreness, minor bleeding, or a slight bruise at the needle insertion site, similar to any procedure involving a needle. These symptoms are temporary, and our experienced medical team is on hand to ensure your comfort and well-being.

Reinfusion: Administering stem cells intravenously is a simple and safe procedure, carrying minimal risk similar to standard IV treatments. It's conducted in a sterile setting to greatly lower the chance of infection.

Effectiveness and Long-Term Safety

The success of autologous stem cell therapy can vary among individuals. Many patients experience significant improvements, while others may see varying degrees of benefit. Extensive research indicates that this therapy is safe, with a very low risk of complications.

Post-Treatment Care and Support

From the start of your treatment journey, our dedicated team at CMN Hospital closely monitors every aspect of your care, prioritizing your safety above all. After your treatment, we remain committed to your well-being, offering ongoing support as you recover, ensuring a secure and nurturing process. Autologous bone marrow stem cell therapy is a highly effective and preferred treatment for cancer patients, particularly those who have not seen desired results with other therapies. Key benefits include:

  • High Compatibility: Using your own stem cells eliminates the risk of rejection or immune reactions.
  • Minimal Procedure Risks: Bone marrow harvesting is straightforward, with any discomfort or risk being minimal and well-managed.
  • Controlled Environment: The entire process is conducted in a sterile medical setting, reducing the risk of infection.
  • Side Effects Management: Any side effects, such as temporary fatigue from mild sedation, are short-lived and effectively managed with proper care from Dr. Payan and his medical team.
  • Positive Long-Term Outlook: Early studies and patient experiences indicate significant potential for improved outcomes, with ongoing monitoring and support ensuring your well-being.

Inside the Bone Marrow

Inside the bone marrow, blood stem cells divide and mature to make new blood cells. During this process, the cells become either lymphocytes (a kind of white blood cell) or other blood-forming cells. These other blood-forming cells mature into red blood cells, white blood cells (other than lymphocytes), or platelets.

Types of Blood Cells

  • Red blood cells: Carry oxygen from the lungs to all other tissues in the body, and take carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be removed.
  • Platelets: Important for plugging up holes in blood vessels caused by cuts or bruises.
  • White blood cells: Help the body fight infections.

Types of White Blood Cells

  • Lymphocytes: Mature infection-fighting cells that develop from lymphoblasts.
  • Granulocytes: Infection-fighting cells that develop from myeloblasts.
  • Monocytes: Develop from blood-forming monoblasts and become macrophages that destroy germs.

Reference:

American Cancer Society - Normal Bone Marrow, Blood, and Lymphoid Tissue