National Cancer Institute Photo by Rhoda Baer
September is World Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month and a good time to learn a little about bone marrow and blood stem cell transplant (BMT). According to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research 30-50,000 people worldwide receive a BMT annually, many of whom are older adults. BMT is most frequently used to treat blood cancers, such as leukemia.
While some transplants utilize the patient's own cells, others use donor cells. The need for volunteers is most acute for members of ethnic minority groups. Before volunteering it is important to know more about BMT.
BMT is more accurately called stem cell transplant. The use of the stem cells has gotten bad press, due mainly to the proposed use of stems cells that come from embryos. However, stem cells occur all over the body and at this time embryonic cells are not used for transplants.
Stem cells for transplant come from bone marrow, peripheral blood, and the blood in the umbilical cord after a baby’s birth. Peripheral blood stem cells are the ones most frequently used, but bone marrow has a greater concentration of stem cells and blood cells, those affected by leukemia, are formed in bone marrow.
Stem cells are the building blocks. They are cells that can differentiate into different types of cells. Stem cells can be likened to a new strip mall with separate rooms to house shops. The basic structure for each store is the same at the beginning. When internal structures and merchandise are added, one store become a gift shop, another sells fishing supplies, and yet another is a liquor store.
Stem cells are the beginning structure for a cell. As the cell develops, structures are added that turn one cell into heart muscle and another into a blood cell. Blood cells are then further differentiated into different types of white blood cells and red blood cells.
In the case of leukemia, the victim’s bone marrow stem cells are functioning improperly and create abnormal cells. These cells cannot function normally to protect the body from infection. The hope with BMT is that the transplanted stem cells will restore the marrow's ability to produce normal and fully functioning white blood cells.
The Be The Match ® Registry (formerly the National Marrow Donor Program) collects cheek cell samples from individuals ages 18 to 60 who are willing to act as a donor for those who need a transplant. Members of ethnic minority groups are especially needed. The program does not accept donors older than 60 because the risk of anesthesia increases slightly; however, there are many other ways to get involved. You can donate money or your time to assist with a donor drive. Go to the website for more information.
Mayo Clinic Information on BMT
For more information
Leukemia and lymphoma Society
Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation Booklet (PS-40) is downloadable or can be ordered online.
Medline plus info on BMT
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