Bone Marrow Transplant
Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside bones and produces blood cells. These blood cells are produced from a precursor cell called hematopoietic stem cell. Bone marrow transplant (also called hematopoietic stem cell transplant- HSCT) involves replacing diseased bone marrow cells with new ones. HSCT provides a vital treatment option for various blood diseases, like thalassemia, bone marrow failure, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, solid tumors like neuroblastoma. There are two types of bone marrow transplants:
- Autologous transplant in which the patient’s own stem cells are collected, followed by intensive chemotherapy to the patient to destroy diseased marrow and the return of the patient’s own stored stem cells.
- Allogeneic transplant involves taking stem cells from a matched donor, usually a family donor. The patient is given high doses of chemotherapy or radiation to destroy the diseased bone marrow, followed by infusion of donor stem cells.
The Department of Bone Marrow Transplant at PKLI&RC is the first public sector unit in Lahore, offering adult and pediatric transplants. It currently has the capacity to perform 40 transplants per year, with planned expansion to more than 120 transplants per year. It is a state-of-the-art facility with patient isolation rooms meeting international hygienic standards. These standards are maintained by high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and vigorous monitoring of the controlled environment. A fully functioning stem cell collection and processing unit, a molecular hematology laboratory, and a high-volume blood bank with component preparation and NAT screening facilities are available in the hospital. Comprehensive transplant immunology services are also available in-house. We have a dedicated team of qualified bone marrow transplant physicians, offering autologous and allogenic bone marrow transplants to patients with a variety of hematologic diseases. we have successfully completed 13 bone marrow transplants to date at PKLI, including both autologous and allogeneic BMT, with a 100% initial success rate. We have not encountered any cases of graft failure, disease relapse, or transplant-related mortality. The supporting and technical staff meet high standards of knowledge and skills. Along with BMT, we offer comprehensive diagnostic and management services in the fields of General Hematology and Hem-oncology. Future plans are to establish facilities for advanced treatment modalities like CAR-T cells and other cellular therapies.
Services Offered:
- Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant: For Hodgkin Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Multiple myeloma, and pediatric solid tumors like neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor etc.
Allogenic Bone Marrow Transplant: HLA-matched-related donor transplants for aplastic anemia, thalassemia, other hematologic disorders, metabolic or storage disorder, and myeloid leukemia.