A bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure that introduces healthy blood-forming stem cells into the body to substitute for bone marrow that is insufficiently producing healthy blood cells. This procedure is also referred to as stem cell transplant.

One may require a bone marrow transplant if the bone marrow ceases to function properly and fails to generate an adequate number of healthy blood cells.

Here let us delve into why one may need chemotherapy for bone marrow transplant, and what some of the side effects are caused by chemotherapy. 

When Can Chemotherapy be Given to a Patient?

In the period leading up to the transplant, typically spanning five to ten days, a conditioning regimen is implemented. The specific medications, which may include chemotherapy this are determined based on the patient’s underlying condition. It is important to note that certain children with significant immunodeficiencies may not need chemotherapy or radiation.

The primary objectives of the conditioning regimen for using chemotherapy for bone marrow transplant is to:

• Inhibit the immune system to prevent rejection of the transplanted bone marrow
• Create space within the bone marrow for the donor’s stem cells to proliferate
• Eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Read about Bone Marrow Transplant for more info. 

Chemotherapy For Bone Marrow Transplant

Most conditioning regimens incorporate chemotherapy as a fundamental component, similarly, chemotherapy for bone marrow transplant is also used. The specific medications utilized will vary based on the nature of your illness, your overall health status, and the treatment protocol favored by your transplant center.

The medications administered in the conditioning regimen may often mirror those employed in conventional chemotherapy for the disease; however, the dosages may be significantly elevated.

Typically, chemotherapy agents are delivered via a thin, flexible tube known as a catheter or central venous line. This catheter is surgically positioned within a large vein located in the neck or chest, ensuring it is situated just above the heart. This setup facilitates the painless administration of medications and blood products, as well as the collection of numerous blood samples required throughout the treatment process, eliminating the need for repeated needle insertions in the arms.

The catheter may remain in place for several months following the transplant. In some instances, the catheter is connected to a device referred to as a port, which is implanted beneath the skin.

Also Read:- Bone marrow transplant cost in India

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for bone marrow transplant can induce a variety of side effects in patients undergoing bone marrow transplants, which include:

Reduced blood cell counts:

This condition may result in fatigue, a heightened susceptibility to infections, and an increased likelihood of bleeding or bruising.

Nausea and vomiting:

These symptoms are frequently associated with chemotherapy.

Hair Loss:

Patients may experience complete hair loss, affecting not only the scalp but also eyelashes, eyebrows, and body hair, including underarm, leg, and occasionally pubic hair. Typically, hair regrowth occurs after the conclusion of treatment, although it may be softer, differ in color, or have a curlier texture than prior to treatment.

Organ Damage:

Chemotherapy has the potential to harm organs such as the liver and kidneys.

Infection:

Following treatment, a diminished white blood cell count increases the risk of infections.

Respiratory Issues:

Symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and difficulty breathing may arise.

Additional side effects may encompass:

• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Mouth sores
• Fatigue
• Skin rashes
• Infertility or sterility
• Anemia
• Cataracts

The specific conditioning regimen administered is influenced by various factors, including the nature of the disease being treated, the patient’s overall health status, and the type of transplant being considered.

Reference Links:-

https://bmtinfonet.org/transplant-article/conditioning-preparative-regimen

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/about/pac-20384854

https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/education/conditioning-regimen-for-a-bone-marrow-transplant-bmt