Autologous Transplant Hospital in Mumbai, India

Overview

In an autologous transplant, a patient’s healthy blood stem cells are collected from their own body and are used by our experts to replace diseased or damaged bone marrow. The patient is the donor and the receiver simultaneously. The process is known as Autologous Stem Cell Transplant or Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant. The Autologous Transplant Unit is a part of the Centre for Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital and provides comprehensive medical, diagnostic and surgical services to patients affected by a range of blood disorders. Our approach to treating patients with diseases related to blood is developed around each patient’s unique medical requirements.

Our team of expert haematologists, doctors, surgeons, and nurses provides advanced autologous bone marrow transplant services by following a multidisciplinary, patient-centric approach ensuring the best outcomes for patients.

An autologous transplant is also known as a hematopoietic stem cell transplant or stem cell transplant.

Conditions treated by Autologous Transplant

Some conditions which may require an autologous bone marrow transplant are:

Hodgkin’s & Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Leukemia
Germ Cell Tumour
Neuroblastoma
Multiple Myeloma
Immune deficiency disorders
Lymphomas
Severe Aplastic anemia

How is an Autologous Transplant performed?

The patient has to take medicines to boost the stem cell count in the blood.
Stem cells are collected from the patient’s blood.
A patient undergoes a conditioning process where they receive high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy (or both) to kill the leftover cancerous cells.
The stem cells are infused into the bloodstream, where they travel to bone marrow in order to create new cells to help in the process of recovery.

The following symptoms can occur after an autologous transplant:

Symptoms that can arise from this procedure include:

Chest pain
Drop in blood pressure
Fever
Chills
Flushing
Headaches
Hives
Nausea
Pain
Shortness of breath
Changes in taste

Autologous transplant complications include:

Some complications caused by this procedure are:

Anaemia
Graft failure
Graft v Host Disease (GvHD)
Infections
Early menopause
Delayed growth in children
Inflammation

Recovery after Autologous Transplant

It is necessary to get as much rest as possible, and you should talk to a doctor if your symptoms persist. Typical recovery time is 3 months, but full recovery can take up to a year. It can be performed as an outpatient procedure, but due to the reduction in immunity, one may be asked to stay for observations and to prevent complications.

Precautions after Autologous Transplant

Some precautions patients can take for safe recovery are:

Eat a protein-rich diet
Avoid crowds, kids, pets & visitors
Practice safe food and drink habits
Wash your hands regularly
Do not smoke.
If you have a central venous line or a PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter), learn how to take care of it
Ask your doctor about liquid food supplements (if your mouth is sore or dry from the existing medications).

An autologous transplant is only an option if a patient’s body is producing enough healthy bone marrow cells. It is the safest bone marrow transplant procedure with high success, and it does not come with any incompatibility issues.