Bone Marrow Transplantation Flashcards
What is a BMT?
Transfer of bone marrow cells from one human to another.
What can a BMT treat?
Leukaemia. Immunodeficiency/anaemias.
How many BMT’s are performed in Europe per year?
Over 20,000
What is a serious complication of BMT?
Graft-versus-host disease.
Which cells are derived from cultures in bone marrow cells?
Haematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC)
What can HSC do?
HSTC can self-replicate and differentiate into ANY element of the blood.
How do HSC help in BMT?
They are harvested and re-infused to reconstitute damaged bone marrow.
Where else can HSC’s be found?
In small numbers in peripheral blood.
What are the sources for stem cell transplantation?
Patient (own cells), Matched sibling (25%), Matched unrelated donor (50%), Umbilical cord blood (restricted availability)
Which matched unrelated donor SC’s do the UK centres accept?
ATLEAST 9/10 match at HLA-A/B/B/DR/DQ. To reduce G-V-HD.
What is an autologous HSCT?
Transplanted cells have been taken from same patient previously from BM or peripheral blood.
What is an advantage of Autologous HSCT?
Less complicated as HLA is compatible.
What is a disadvantage of Autologous HSCT?
High dose of chemo and radiotherapy before transplant which irreversibly damages bone marrow.
Disadvantages of BMT Vs Cord blood
Pain and invasive surgical collection. BM dependent on donor participation. 60% G-V-HD rate.
Why does BMT require greater HLA match?
Maturity of the stem cells.
