Date: 31 July 2025 | 7:00 – 8:30PM EAT

Moderator: Dr Matilda Ongondi

Dr. Rohini Radia – Bone Marrow Transplantation

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a potentially curative treatment for various blood cancers and benign hematologic conditions like sickle cell disease and aplastic anemia. It involves high-risk procedures requiring meticulous planning and long-term follow-up.

There are two main types:

Autologous (using the patient’s own cells) and Allogeneic (using donor cells). Allogeneic BMT carries a higher treatment-related mortality (10–25%) and risk of complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), infections, and infertility, but it is the only curative option for several conditions. Autologous BMT is safer (TRM <5%) and commonly used in myeloma and lymphomas.

Patient and donor selection, conditioning protocols, and GVHD prophylaxis are tailored individually. Long-term follow-up is essential, especially due to chronic GVHD and relapse risks. In sickle cell disease, allogeneic HSCT offers a potential cure but requires careful risk-benefit consideration.

Success in BMT depends on early identification, thorough preparation, and sustained multidisciplinary care beyond the immediate post-transplant period.