Autologous Transplant
Patient supplies their own marrow or stem cells.
Donation & Transplant
Collection
Bone marrow is collected from the patient in a simple surgical procedure. Under local or general anesthetic, marrow is extracted from the pelvic bone by syringe. No stitches necessary. It's often an out-patient procedure, but some patients are admitted for a day or two of recuperation. Side effects are usually minimal, but include lower back pain, as well as the effects of surgery; nausea, sore throat, dizziness. The donor's marrow completely regenerates in just a few weeks' time.
Depending on the nature of the condition, the bone marrow will undergo various filtration and manipulation processes to improve its chances of regenerating when reintroduced to the patient's body.
Transplant
Once collection has taken place and the bone marrow successfully treated, the patient's existing marrow is eliminated by chemotherapy or radiation treatments, clearing the path for refreshed bone marrow. Infusion of the marrow is performed by IV, and is a simple as a transfusion. Stem cells migrate to bone cavities and grow to create new marrow.
