Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine

Bone Marrow Transplantation

Bone marrow is that the soft, spongy tissue inside your bones that creates blood-forming cells (blood stem cells). These cells turn into blood cells including

• White blood cells to fight infections.
• Red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
• Platelets to control bleeding.

Blood-forming cells also are found within the blood stream and therefore the duct blood. Before transplantation, we get chemotherapy (chemo) with or without radiation to destroy the diseased blood-forming cells and marrow. Then, healthy cells are given to us (it’s not surgery). The new cells enter your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line, or tube. It’s a bit like getting blood or medicine through an IV. The cells find their way into your marrow, where they grow and begin to form healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.